The Broward School Board is set to consider a resolution "in support of African-American history instruction in Broward County Public Schools". The resolution is being brought forth by former Chair Torey Alston, who was appointed to the board by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022. Alston appeared with DeSantis at a press conference on March 8 where the Governor dispelled rumors that books about Roberto Clemente were being "banned".
"The narrative on book bans on Black history or key black leaders is false," said Alston at the presser. "I am honored to stand with you today as we clearly correct many of the false narratives that I've heard around the State, around the country and particularly down in South Florida."
“The narrative on “book bans” on Black history or key Black leaders is false.”
Broward County School Board Member @ToreyAlston speaks at @GovRonDeSantis presser. pic.twitter.com/xgZE6U2ngM
— Chris Nelson 🇺🇸 🏝 (@ReOpenChris) March 8, 2023
Alston looks to go further by reaffirming that Broward Schools will teach African-American history in accordance with Florida Law. His resolution, which will be discussed at Tuesday's school board meeting states that the Broward School Board "fully supports Florida law and continued instruction of African-American history in all schools." It also directs the Superintendent to keep the district in compliance with State law and encourages the Diversity Advisory Committee to engage with the State's African American History Task Force for "continued collaboration".
Governor Ron DeSantis was accused in media of removing AP African-American History courses due to woke ideology being found in the lessons. When the offending lessons were removed including a study of "Queer Theory", the courses were reinstated.
"The resolution I drafted on Tuesday's agenda is very clear that African-American instruction has been taught and continues in all of our schools," Alston told the Floridian in an email. "There has been a lot of questions and misinformation shared, and I hope this resolution sends a clear message that African-American instruction is important, is state law and I will ensure our district remains fully compliant as I publicly stated a few weeks ago. I hope my colleagues would join me in supporting this resolution, and I hope other school districts will follow the Broward model."
Read Alston's resolution below.
