Polk State College in Florida has discontinued its "Introduction to African-American Studies" course. College officials stated the decision was made to ensure compliance with a 2023 state law that places restrictions on curriculum related to certain theories of systemic oppression.
The move follows a review by a faculty committee, which determined the course did not align with the requirements of Florida Senate Bill 266. The college is now considering how to incorporate elements of the curriculum into other courses that meet state guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- Polk State College has stopped offering its "Introduction to African-American Studies" course.
- The decision was based on compliance with Florida Senate Bill 266, enacted in 2023.
- A faculty committee reviewed the course and found it non-compliant with the new state law.
- The college plans to explore integrating the subject matter into other state-approved courses.
Decision Follows State Legislative Changes
Polk State College has officially removed its general education course, "Introduction to African-American Studies," from its academic offerings. A spokesperson for the college confirmed that the action was a direct result of efforts to comply with new state regulations.
The primary legal driver behind this decision is Florida Senate Bill 266, which was signed into law in 2023. This legislation significantly reshaped higher education standards in the state by prohibiting public colleges and universities from funding programs or courses that promote specific theories.
Understanding Senate Bill 266
Senate Bill 266, often referred to as SB 266, restricts the use of state funds for any major, minor, or course that is "based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities." The law's implementation has prompted curriculum reviews at public institutions across Florida.
According to the college, a dedicated committee composed of faculty representatives was tasked with reviewing the course. The committee concluded that the curriculum for "Introduction to African-American Studies" did not meet the new legal standards set forth by the state.
Details of the Discontinued Course
The removed course provided a broad historical overview of the African-American experience. It was designed as a survey course that covered significant periods and movements in American history.
Core Curriculum Topics
The syllabus for "Introduction to African-American Studies" included several key historical subjects. Students in the course would have studied:
- The origins and development of slavery in the Americas.
- The rise of the abolitionist movement and its impact.
- The social and economic factors that led to the Civil War.
- The modern Civil Rights Movement and its key figures and events.
It remains unclear how long this specific course had been part of the curriculum at Polk State College before its removal. The college has not released information regarding the course's history or typical enrollment numbers.
Statewide Impact
The passage of SB 266 has led to similar curriculum reviews and changes at other public colleges and universities throughout Florida. Institutions are actively assessing their course catalogs to ensure they align with the state's new educational framework.
Student Reaction and Public Discussion
The decision has generated discussion among students on campus. Antonio Scarborough, a first-year student at Polk State, shared a nuanced perspective on the course's removal.
He acknowledged the educational value of such a course. Scarborough believes that teaching this history is important for students of color to understand their heritage and for all students to learn about the nation's past.
"I see some good points with it because you're teaching history and showing people of color where they came from, and the history associated with it," Scarborough stated.
However, he also recognized that the subject matter can be difficult. "Most kids don't really get taught that, and then they learn about it later in life, so I feel like that's uncomfortable for them," he added, acknowledging that some students might find the topics challenging.
Scarborough suggested that motivated students still have ways to access this historical information independently. He pointed to a variety of resources available to anyone interested in learning more.
"I feel like you learn about it in old newspapers and websites. It's all over YouTube. As long as you want to learn it and put in the effort, you can look it up," he said.
Future Curriculum Plans at Polk State
While the standalone course has been eliminated, the college has indicated that this may not be the end of the subject matter on campus. A spokesperson for Polk State College communicated that the institution is actively looking for alternative ways to present the material.
In an official statement, the college mentioned it will "continue to explore ways to integrate such curriculum into other courses." This suggests that historical topics previously covered in the dedicated studies course may be woven into broader history, sociology, or humanities classes.
The college also confirmed its commitment to revamping courses to ensure they are fully compliant with all state requirements. This ongoing process will likely involve further curriculum adjustments as the institution navigates the new educational landscape in Florida.