North Miami Mayor Responds to New Florida Education Standard

August 15, 2023

As a Florida educator, the new standards for Black History Education in Florida are a disappointing step backward in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the curriculum. By reducing the emphasis on the struggles and contributions of Black people throughout history, these standards undermine the progress toward a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of our nation's past.

Florida's decision to downplay the significance of events such as the Civil Rights Movement and prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Toussaint Louverture, Marcus Garvey, and Malcolm X is a disservice to students. By glossing over these critical historical moments, the state perpetuates a sanitized and whitewashed version of the past, ultimately failing to educate students on the Systemic Racism and Discrimination African Americans face.

Moreover, this move appears to be a deliberate attempt to marginalize the experiences and accomplishments of Black Americans in favor of a distorted narrative that downplays the impact of Racial Inequality and the ongoing struggle for Social Justice. This perpetuates historical inaccuracies and hinders efforts to foster empathy, understanding, and unity among diverse communities.

Education should be a powerful tool to combat Racism and promote inclusivity. Unfortunately, Florida's new standards do the opposite, reinforcing a narrow historical perspective that fails to address the roots of Racial Disparities and the ongoing fight for equality.

As a society, we should strive for an inclusive curriculum that highlights the diverse experiences and achievements of all Americans, ensuring that the next generation is better equipped.