AP Psychology Reversal: Florida Schools Divided on LGBTQ Content Inclusion

florida AP Psychology sexuality and gender content LGBTQ topics

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Aug 08, 10:55 pm

Photo: (Photo : Drew Angerer / Getty Images)

The landscape of Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology courses in Florida schools has undergone a dramatic shift. The inclusion of sexuality and gender content within the curriculum has sparked a divisive debate among educational institutions across the state.

As Florida grapples with the intersection of education and societal concerns, the decision to include or exclude LGBTQ topics in AP Psychology is revealing a stark divide among schools.

Florida's Controversial Curriculum Shift

The clash between the Florida Education Department and the College Board over the inclusion of LGBTQ topics within AP Psychology has given rise to a complex situation. Despite initial indications of a resolution, several Florida school districts are making the decision to remove the course from their offerings, citing concerns over the sensitive nature of the content.

According to Tallahassee, the heart of the matter lies in the state's evolving approach to teaching LGBTQ topics. The Florida Education Department initially garnered attention when it seemed to be taking a stance against the inclusion of such content in the curriculum.

This action elicited strong responses from both proponents and opponents of LGBTQ-inclusive education, effectively polarizing the discourse.

According to the letter dated Friday, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. expressed the department's belief that AP Psychology could be effectively taught in its entirety while maintaining an approach that is suitable for the age and developmental stage of the students.

Diaz emphasized that the course is still listed in the official course catalog, implying that it remains a valid educational offering.

The entity responsible for administering the AP program, the College Board, reacted by asserting that this modified approach would effectively prohibit the course.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the College Board addressed the conundrum posed by this potential exclusion. It firmly indicated that any AP Psychology course taught under such circumstances in Florida would inevitably run afoul of either the state's legal regulations or the requirements set by colleges.

Reversal of AP Psychology and Its Implications

According to NBC News, while some school districts are resolute in their decision not to offer AP Psychology due to concerns about the inclusion of sexuality and gender content, others are reversing their initial stance.

The uncertainty surrounding the teaching of LGBTQ topics has pushed educators and officials to reevaluate their approaches. Flagler Schools, a district in northeastern Florida, exemplifies this shift.

In response to the evolving educational landscape, the district has opted to replace AP Psychology with an International Baccalaureate Psychology class, signaling an attempt to navigate the delicate balance between comprehensive education and respecting the sensitivities of students and parents.

Balancing Act Between Education and Sensitivity

The crux of the matter hinges on the broader conversation about LGBTQ rights and education.

According to Forbes, Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law has emerged as a key player in this discussion, allowing parents to intervene if they perceive LGBTQ content as inappropriate.

This legal backdrop has created a challenging scenario for educators, who are tasked with providing inclusive education while adhering to the law.

The College Board's AP Psychology course and exam description highlight the importance of addressing sexuality and gender content within the curriculum.

The curriculum emphasizes understanding how sex and gender influence socialization and development. However, the evolving legal landscape raises questions about the feasibility of teaching such content without inviting legal repercussions.

As the debate continues, Florida schools remain divided on the issue of LGBTQ content in AP Psychology.

The reversal of decisions by some school districts underscores the complexity of this matter. The delicate balancing act between providing comprehensive education and addressing sensitivities is at the forefront of this discourse.

While certain schools have chosen to embrace the inclusion of sexuality and gender content, others are opting for an alternative approach to ensure compliance with the law and community values.