Democratic Education Committees Address AP African American Studies Course Controversy in Hearing

Last week, Democratic members of the House and Senate Education committees held a hearing at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building to address the ongoing debate over the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course. The committee released a statement outlining the discussion’s key points.

The statement highlighted that the hearing provided a platform for students, parents, and advocacy groups to voice their views on the initial denial and subsequent approval of the AP African American Studies course. Concerns were raised regarding the timing of the decision and the impact of 2022 legislative measures, specifically House bills 1084 and 1178 and Senate Bill 226, which address the teaching of “divisive concepts” and establish a process for removing educational resources. These bills, passed along party lines in 2022, were a major focus of the testimony.

The meeting featured updates from the Georgia Department of Education and the College Board on the course’s approval process. In response to the testimony and concerns, committee members pledged to investigate and work with the General Assembly to address any issues. They committed to ensuring that educational policies are equitable and that students have access to a diverse and comprehensive curriculum.

The Democratic members of the House and Senate Education committees who participated include Representatives Segun Adeyina (D-Grayson), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), Becky Evans (D-Atlanta), Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn), Karlton Howard (D-Augusta), Miriam Paris (D-Macon), David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs), and Senators Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), Donzella James (D-Atlanta), Elena Parent (D-Atlanta), and Horacena Tate (D-Atlanta).

To watch a video archive of this meeting, please click here.