Democratic members of House and Senate Education Committees held a hearing at the state Capitol Thursday, Aug. 8, to learn more about recent events related to local school districts’ ability to offer Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies courses. As part of ongoing advocacy on this issue, PAGE testified at the hearing, sharing member concerns about recent events described below.
Two Weeks of Controversy Over AP African American Studies Course
On July 24, State School Superintendent Richard Woods issued a brief statement regarding his decision not to recommend the course for state approval. The statement also said schools could offer the course with local funding. During the days that followed, state legislators, local school districts, educators, and advocacy groups, including PAGE, provided feedback to GaDOE and other policymakers regarding the impact of the superintendent’s decision.
Several days later, Woods clarified his rationale, referencing his concern that the AP course potentially violates Georgia’s Divisive Concepts law. Woods reported that he requested legal advice and reiterated that, should legal clarification reverse his decision, he would follow the law.
After the superintendent's initial decision regarding the AP African American studies course, Gov. Brian Kemp sent Woods a letter requesting more information about Woods’ decision. Woods responded with answers to the governor’s questions.
Subsequently, Attorney General Chris Carr corresponded with Rep. Will Wade (R-Dawson), the sponsor of the divisive concepts bill, and emphasized the law’s exemption for AP, IB, and dual enrollment coursework.
Reversal of Initial Opinion & PAGE Advocacy
On Aug. 7, Superintendent Woods reversed his original decision, citing the Carr/Wade correspondence. Woods announced that AP African American Studies will be added to the state-funded course catalog, and a disclaimer will be added to all AP courses stating that such courses are not reviewed by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and that the courses should be implemented “in a professionally and academically appropriate manner and without espousing personal political beliefs.”
Throughout this process, PAGE repeatedly corresponded with GaDOE staff and state policymakers, sharing educator concerns and encouraging reconsideration of the superintendent’s initial decision and timely clarification of the law.
Democratic Leaders Hold Hearing. PAGE Testifies in Support of Clear Guidance for Educators, Schools, and Families
At the hearing, legislators heard from GaDOE and other stakeholders about recent events and potential solutions. No formal vote was taken, as committees cannot move legislation outside the legislative session, which does not convene until January.
PAGE Legislative Services Specialist Josh Stephens provided comments on behalf of PAGE and PAGE members at the hearing.
PAGE has been in contact with GaDOE on multiple occasions throughout the last two weeks about this issue and has communicated PAGE member concerns to GaDOE staff. GaDOE staff have been very responsive, and we appreciate their responsiveness to our concerns, as well as Superintendent Woods’ reconsideration of this issue.
PAGE supports student access to robust and rich coursework. We will continue to advocate that policymakers provide Georgia families and educators with timely and clear standards and guidelines, allowing educators to serve students with confidence.
One of our educator members was dismayed about the initial decision as she volunteered her time without pay over the summer to receive course training from the College Board, only to learn via the news media that her district’s ability to offer the course she trained to offer students was in doubt.
School districts, educators, students, and parents need timely and clear legal and policy guidance, allowing educators to serve students. The timing of this controversy has been unfortunate, as it shook the confidence of families, schools, and educators as the academic year began.
PAGE respectfully requests legislators consider changing the Divisive Concepts law in accordance with the Attorney General’s letter so that all stakeholders can move forward with purpose and transparency toward the shared goal of providing Georgia students with the education they deserve.
Statute changes could make explicit that, in reference to mandated local Divisive Concepts complaint processes, complaints arising from AP, IB, and Dual enrollment courses are invalid. A lack of clarity has significantly contributed to the situation at hand, a deep concern PAGE voiced consistently to legislators when the Divisive Concepts bill moved through the legislature in 2022.