Rewrite: “The cat sat lazily in the sun, purring contently.”
Replacement: “The feline lounged idly in the sunlight, emitting a satisfied hum.”
Georgia Schools Superintendent Richard Woods declared on Wednesday that the state will reinstate public funding for Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies to be offered in public schools after consulting with the state’s attorney general for “guidance and clarity” on whether state law allows its inclusion in the state-approved course catalog.
In a declaration published on the Georgia Department of Education website, the conservative school leader stated that “It has been ascertained that this law shall not inhibit local school systems from adopting any AP, IB, or dual enrollment course,” as long as “these courses are executed ‘in a professionally and academically suitable manner and without promoting personal political beliefs,'” as specified by the law.
“As I have mentioned previously, I will adhere to the law. In accordance with this viewpoint, the AP African American Studies course will be included in the state-funded course catalog immediately,” Woods’ statement added.
In his ruling last month to withdraw public funding for the course, Woods referenced Georgia’s >House Bill 1084, GOP-endorsed legislation that was enacted in 2002 and that prohibited teaching “divisive concepts” in public schools, including various concepts related to race and racism, such as institutional racism.
However, on Wednesday, Woods stated that his decision to reverse direction is based on a conclusion by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, who stated in a letter to “the sponsor of [HB 1084]” that “this law shall not limit local school systems from adopting any AP, IB, or dual enrollment course,” and that “Each such course will be exempt from the provisions of the divisive concepts legislation, as long as these courses are executed “in a professionally and academically suitable manner and without promoting personal political beliefs.”
Woods’ statement did not specify HB 1084’s sponsor, but the legislation was drafted by state Rep. Carr mentioned in the communication obtained by ABC News that HB 1084 was not intended to prevent the introduction of advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or dual enrollment coursework. The only restrictions imposed by HB 1084 on such coursework are that it is executed “in a professionally and academically suitable manner and without promoting personal political opinions.”
A representative for Carr informed ABC News on Wednesday that the letter reflects his stance on state funding for the AP African American studies course.
ABC News contacted Wade’s office for additional remarks, but the inquiry was not promptly answered.
A spokesperson for the Georgia Senate informed ABC News that despite the policy reversal, Democratic legislators from both state legislative chambers are still planning to conduct a previously arranged hearing on the matter on Thursday.
Woods’ ruling on July 23 to ban the teaching of AP African American studies in Georgia public schools was met with weeks of criticism from state Democratic lawmakers, educators, and students, who urged the superintendent to overturn his decision.
“From the start, we were aware that Woods was incorrect,” Democratic Sen. Nikki Merritt wrote on X on Wednesday. “This triumph today is for our students, teachers, and Black History, showcasing the power of community engagement.”
Merritt had previously condemned Woods’ decision during a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol on July 24, where a group of Democratic lawmakers and advocates called on Woods to reinstate funding for the AP African American studies course and argued that it was unfairly singled out.
“This is the sole AP course that was eliminated. And we’re left questioning why. I can assure you it’s not about funding,” Merritt stated during the event. Jasmine Clark speaks at a combined Senate and House press briefing regarding the State School Superintendent’s choice to prohibit an AP African American Studies class at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, GA, on July 24, 2024.