ARKANSAS DEPT OF ED DEMANDS DISTRICT THAT TEACH THE TRUTH MUST TURN OVER ALL TRUTHFUL AMERICAN HISTORY MATERIAL... BY MIDNIGHT
In a move that has left many scratching their heads, the Arkansas Department of Education has continued its push to rewrite history and deny students the opportunity to learn the truth about America's past. The department has demanded that districts turn over all materials related to the recently pulled Advanced Placement African American Studies pilot program, citing concerns that the program may not comply with Arkansas law.
The move has been met with ridicule and derision from educators and activists alike, who see it as yet another attempt by the state to whitewash history and maintain the status quo. "It's like they want to keep students in the dark about the real history of this country," said one teacher, who wished to remain anonymous.
The controversy began when Arkansas became the latest state to pull the controversial College Board AP African American Studies pilot program from its schools. The move was met with outrage from civil rights activists and educators, who saw it as an attempt to silence voices that have long been marginalized in American society.
But the Arkansas Department of Education remained undeterred, insisting that the pilot program may not comply with Arkansas law, which does not permit teaching that would indoctrinate students with ideologies, such as Critical Race Theory. As a result, superintendents must "submit all materials, including but not limited to the syllabus, textbooks, teacher resources, student resources, rubrics, and training materials, to the Department by 12:00 pm on September 8, 2023."
Many have criticized the move, arguing that it is yet another attempt by the state to maintain a culture war on the truth about America's history. "It's like they're trying to keep us in the dark ages," said one student, who wished to remain anonymous. "We need to learn about our past so we can build a better future."
But despite the controversy, some districts are pushing back against the state's attempts to silence them. Little Rock Central High School, which became famous during the 1950s civil rights movement, is one such district. The school's principal, Nancy Rousseau, has called on legislators to repeal the law that restricts the teaching of race and social justice in schools. "This law would take away the ability of our teachers to teach all of history -- the good and the bad," she said.
The Little Rock Nine, a group of nine black students who made history as the first to integrate the school in 1957, have also spoken out against the legislation. "We fought too hard for our right to an education to let them take it away now," said one member of the group.
Despite these protests, the Arkansas Department of Education remains steadfast in its determination to rewrite history and deny students the opportunity to learn about their past. But as one teacher put it: "You can't hide from history forever. Sooner or later, the truth will come out." And when it does, we can only hope that Arkansas will be ready to face it head-on with honesty and humility.
Arkansas Department of Education throws down gauntlet on CRT, demands public schools turn over materials | Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/politics/arkansas-department-education-throws-gauntlet-crt-demands-public-schools-turn-over-materials
Arkansas Education Secretary sends letter to 5 school districts concerning AP African American Studies | KARK https://www.kark.com/news/education/arkansas-education-secretary-sends-letter-to-5-school-districts-concerning-ap-african-american-studies/
Historic 'Little Rock Nine' school pushes back on Arkansas law limiting race studies - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iFthKBRpfA
Arkansas school district says it will continue offering AP African American Studies course | KATV https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-school-district-says-it-will-continue-offering-ap-african-american-studies-course-advanced-placement-department-of-education-kimberly-mundell-college-board-little-rock-central-high-school-racial-desegregation-crisis-racisim-critical-race-theory
