Florida has approved new social studies textbooks for public schools after removing content on topics like the Black Lives Matter movement, the killing of George Floyd, socialism and taking a knee during the national anthem.
The state Department of Education said the changes were to ensure accuracy and alignment with Florida law. The department released a document detailing updates made to textbooks at the publishers’ request. One passage related to BLM and Floyd’s death was removed from a middle school textbook upon review. In part, the textbook previously stated that while “many Americans sympathized with the Black Lives Matter movement,” others were critical of the movement’s use of violence and looting.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe department also objected to a description of socialism in an elementary school textbook, along with a reference to taking a knee during the national anthem. The department said the passage was “inaccurate” and “not aligned with Florida law.”
Some critics said the move was an attempt to hide the truth and whitewash history. Robert Mitchell, the founder of Muck City Black Lives Matter in the Glades, said: “I just see it as an attempt to hide the truth and discount the contributions of Black Americans to the U.S.”
Miami-Dade County School Board member Steve Gallon III said: “Social studies has always been the subject area in which students learn present and historical facts, and express their ideas regarding these occurrences. Any efforts that actually alter, eliminate or whitewash history run counter to the fundamentals of education and principles of this country.”
Hillsborough School Board member Jessica Vaughn said: “There’s so many emotions, but I guess immediately it’s fear. I’m afraid of the pattern of erasing or trying to rewrite history because to me this is right out of the playbook of fascism.”
Reference：
- Florida Rejects Dozens of Social Studies Textbooks, and Forces Changes in Others by Patricia Mazzei, The New York Times, May 9, 2023
- Florida scrubs BLM, George Floyd mentions from middle school textbook by Biba Adams, The Grio, May 10, 2023
- Florida Removes Black Lives Matter, George Floyd References From Textbook by Black Information Network, The Michigan Chronicle, May 11, 2023
Great post! It’s interesting to see that Florida has approved new social studies textbooks after removing certain content. While it’s important to ensure accuracy and alignment with Florida law, I do understand the critics’ concerns about whitewashing history. Could you share more about what specific passages were removed and why they were considered inaccurate or not aligned with Florida law? Thanks!