Florida Education Department Clarifies: AP Psychology Remains Available Despite College Board's Claims of Censorship

Florida's Department of Education clarifies that AP Psychology is still permitted in schools

The Florida Department of Education has clarified that AP Psychology is still permitted in schools, despite the College Board's claim that the course was banned under a new law. Several school districts had recently dropped the course after the College Board stated that it was "effectively banned" due to Florida's law restricting instruction on gender identity. However, the Department of Education has confirmed that AP Psychology can continue to be taught in schools.

College Board claims Florida Department of Education banned AP Psychology

The Florida Department of Education has banned the teaching of AP Psychology in the state, according to a statement from the College Board. The ban comes after the department instructed superintendents that teaching content related to sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal under state law. The decision has been met with sadness and disappointment from the College Board.

Florida school districts drop AP Psychology in response to College Board's advice

The College Board has advised Florida school districts to not offer AP Psychology until the state reverses its decision. In response, several districts in Florida have started dropping the course. The Department of Education, however, sent a letter to superintendents stating that AP Psychology can still be taught in its entirety and accused the College Board of playing games.

Florida Education Commissioner clarifies AP Psychology is not banned

Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. has clarified that the AP Psychology course is not banned in the state. In a letter to school superintendents, Diaz stated that he had reviewed the course framework and wanted to ensure there was no room for misinterpretation. The Department of Education in Florida believes that a certain part of a course that discusses the influence of sex and gender on socialization and development can be taught in accordance with state law.

College Board responds to Florida Education Commissioner's letter

The College Board has responded to a letter from Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, stating that it provides clear guidance that offers certainty to educators, parents, and students in Florida. This comes after the state implemented laws prohibiting instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms up to grade eight, with exceptions for reproductive health education and compliance with state standards. The College Board's response suggests that it aligns with these restrictions.

AP Psychology and the College Board's Advanced Placement program

The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) program offers high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses, including AP Psychology. Last year, over 28,000 students in Florida took AP Psychology. The College Board has stated that it will not make any changes to the AP Psychology course to comply with Florida's legal requirements.

New law expands content restrictions in Florida schools

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law expanding content restrictions in schools through eighth grade. The legislation aims to keep parents informed about what their children are exposed to and protect young children from sexualization. DeSantis believes that Florida should be a "refuge of sanity and a citadel of normalcy," and that children should have an upbringing that reflects those values.