Florida Teachers and Students Debate New School Lessons

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Florida educators, students, and advocates are speaking out against the removal of hundreds of college courses. These courses, focusing on topics like race, gender, and sexual orientation, were cut due to recent state restrictions. Critics are calling the move censorship.

One professor argued that limiting these courses hinders students’ critical thinking and understanding of the world. Educators also worry that fulfilling general education requirements will become more difficult.

These changes stem from directives by Governor DeSantis and the State University System of Florida’s Board of Governors. They restrict what can be taught about race, politics, gender, and sexual orientation.

Governor DeSantis defends the changes, claiming they promote diversity of thought. However, the new rules ban courses deemed to promote “identity politics” or that teach systemic racism, sexism, and oppression as inherent in American institutions.

Hundreds of courses have been removed from Florida State University’s general education curriculum. Dozens were also cut at the University of North Florida. While still available as electives, they no longer fulfill core requirements.

The Board of Governors also restricted funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Florida’s Education Commissioner praised the move, saying higher education should focus on academic integrity, not “destructive ideologies.”

Students and faculty argue these restrictions limit academic freedom and hinder student preparedness. One student shared how a general education history course inspired her to pursue a history degree.

Now, she fears future students will be denied similar opportunities. A professor compared the restrictions to past prohibitions on teaching evolution or discussing communism.


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