After weeks of controversy, Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods announced Wednesday he had reversed his decision to drop a college-level African American studies high school class, saying the state will now fund the class and include it on the state’s list of course offerings.

The about-face comes a day after Attorney General Chris Carr said the advanced placement African American Studies course does not violate Georgia’s “divisive concepts” law. The law governs what can be taught in K-12 classes about race, gender, history and other sensitive topics.

“Communication from the attorney general’s office completed the clarification process surrounding the adoption and instructional expectation for all AP, IB [International Baccalaureate], and dual enrollment courses and curriculum,” Woods said in a statement posted on the Georgia Department of Education website Wednesday. “It has been determined that this law shall not restrict local school systems from adopting any AP, IB, or dual enrollment course. Each such course will be exempted from the provisions of the divisive concepts legislation, so long as these courses are implemented in a professionally and academically appropriate manner and without espousing personal political beliefs.”

Woods’ initial decision not to recommend the class for the 2024-25 school year drew heavy criticism from teachers, students, lawmakers, clergy and civil rights groups. Critics called Woods’ decision an attack on students’ rights. They also said students who had signed up for the course would have to scramble to find another AP class to fulfill college requirements.

AP African American Studies was the only advanced placement class removed from the list of course offerings. The nonprofit College Board develops AP classes to introduce high schoolers to college-level classes, allowing students to earn college credits before graduating from high school. 

“I’m so happy that Superintendent Woods had the wherewithal to come to his good senses,” Sen. Gloria Butler, D-Stone Mountain, told State Affairs. “Thanks to my colleague Sen. Nikki Merritt’s hard work, Superintendent Woods has ended his separate-but-equal policy for AP African American Studies. Georgia students may now take the AP African American Studies course just like any other AP course.

“These attacks will not end until the Republicans’ divisive concepts law comes off the books. Republicans must let our teachers teach, let our children learn and stay out of editing our kids’ textbooks,” Butler said.

While Georgia has backed away from the growing list of states banning the teaching of race-based curriculum, other states have forged ahead. Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration blocked an AP course on African American studies. Arkansas followed.

Since January 2021, 44 states have introduced bills or taken other steps to restrict teaching “critical race theory” or how teachers can discuss racism and sexism, according to Education Week. Seventeen states are imposing bans and restrictions through legislation or other avenues.

Read these related stories:

Students, teachers, lawmakers blast decision to end AP African American history classes

Schools superintendent defends decision to drop AP African American Studies class, says it violates state law

Controversy over AP African American Studies class grows

Have questions, comments or tips? Contact Tammy Joyner on X @lvjoyner or at [email protected].