Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, on Friday to speak out against the state Board of Education’s approval of new standards for how black history will be taught in schools.
In a 216-page document, the Florida Board of Education declared that educators will begin teaching students that some black people learned and “personally benefitted” from slavery. While in Jacksonville, Harris met with parents, educators and civil rights leaders to discuss the new rules and what they mean for students across the state.
“Just yesterday in the state of Florida, they decided middle school students will be taught that enslaved people benefited from slavery,” said Harris on Thursday. “They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, and we will not stand for it.”
This marks another controversial decision from the state regarding its school systems. In 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) passed the “Don’t Say Gay Bill,” which prohibits teachers from educating about sexual orientation and gender identity.
DeSantis’ war on “woke” ideology has sparked a number of policies addressing how and what children are taught in school. The Republican party prides itself on its efforts to “protect” its children and has made a significant effort to “whitewash” curriculums.
During her visit, Harris addressed issues of gun violence and abortion restrictions within the state of Florida.
