COLLEGE BOARD TELLS FLORIDA THAT AP PSYCHOLOGY IS NOT A BUFFET
AP Psychology 'effectively banned' in Florida because of gender, sexuality chapter. Florida superintendents were advised Thursday by the state to nix their Advanced Placement Psychology classes unless they exclude any topics related to gender or sexuality, according to The College Board, which oversees the AP program
In a move that has left many Floridian educators scratching their heads, the College Board has declared that AP Psychology courses in the state must include lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation, or risk losing accreditation. The announcement comes in response to Florida's new "Don't Say Gay" bill, which prohibits teachers from discussing these topics in the classroom.
The College Board's decision is being hailed as a victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates, but it has also raised concerns about censorship and academic freedom. In a statement, the organization said that its decision was based on the fact that gender identity and sexual orientation are "fundamental concepts in psychology," and that any course that censors required content cannot be considered AP-level.
But some critics are questioning whether the College Board has overstepped its bounds. "Who do they think they are, telling us what we can and can't teach?" asked one Florida teacher, who wished to remain anonymous. "I mean, I get that they're trying to protect LGBTQ+ students, but isn't that our job as educators?"
Others are more supportive of the College Board's decision. "I think it's great that they're standing up for what's right," said a student at a Florida high school. "It's not fair to leave out important topics just because some people don't want to talk about them."
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, one thing is clear: the "Don't Say Gay" bill has created a lot of confusion and controversy in Florida's education system. Some teachers are unsure how to proceed, while others are openly defying the law. And with the College Board now weighing in, it's anyone's guess what will happen next.
One thing is for sure, though: if you're a student in Florida taking AP Psychology, you're in for a wild ride. Get ready to learn about everything from Freudian theory to gender dysphoria – and maybe even a few things your parents don't want you to know. Who said psychology was boring?
College Board advises Florida schools to not offer AP Psychology - CBS Miami https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/college-board-advises-florida-schools-to-not-offer-ap-psychology/
College Board advises Florida schools to not offer AP Psychology after state says teaching lessons about gender identity and sexuality would violate state law | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/03/us/florida-ap-psychology-college-board/index.html
College Board says Florida schools may not offer AP psych without gender lessons https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/08/03/college-board-says-florida-schools-may-not-offer-ap-psych-without-gender-lessons/
Florida 'effectively bans' AP Psychology over gender, sexuality unit https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/08/03/ap-psychology-banned-florida/70523459007/
