Trails in the Sand by Peter Traciet, the Street Detective
Ol Pete has sand up to the waist but it’s not keeping The Detective from dredging along in search for clues. It’s Black History Month and Peter Traceit is interested in how teachers in schools are celebrating Black contributions and remembering the struggle that paved the way for Blacks and so many others. So many spit critical race theory (CRT) from their lips without really understanding what it actually is and that the theory of CRT has been used by other groups in their quest for diversity, equity, and inclusion to level their playing field.
Peter is hearing that Governor Ron Desantis’s rod of fear has many educators afraid to teach students Black History. Rumors are rampant that shelves are bare in school and public libraries as curriculum and books are being censored. Any book or piece of literature that even hints at diversity, equity or inclusion or makes White people feel guilty, shame or uncomfortable about the history of slavery and oppression has been challenged and eventually banned. DeSantis has simply stated that he doesn’t want White children to feel bad because of what their ancestors may have done. He feels White people should not be made to feel guilty because they benefited and continue to reap the benefits of slavery.
While Black people have complained that it is unfair that Black History is relegated to being celebrated only one month out of the year, it appears that if Desantis has his way, the contributions and struggles of Black peoples won’t be a part of history at all.
The Constitution doesn’t speak to education so it is often understood that this omission was intentional to leave educational decisions to state government. Even so, states usually do not censor college courses in the way DeSantis has. Peter’s digging has revealed that DeSantis has rejected an Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies course offered by The College Board. While AP courses are offered in high school, they are widely considered college level courses that are taken by the most gifted and talented high school students. Black leaders are kicking up dirt and throwing mud. Attorney Ben Crump threatened to sue in Federal court claiming that the banning of the AP African American History course violates the first amendment.
The Street Detective is told that the College Board is being cautious but fighting back. They scaled back some of the course content, removing references to CRT and readings by specific Black authors. This was not enough for DeSantis . He threw dirt on their efforts and responded that the College Board is not the end all, be all when it comes to offering rigorous courses to high school students. It appears that DeSantis is inviting or carving out an opportunity for another organization to begin offering a similar service. College Board has been around for decades and offers a specialized service no one else does; however, Ol Peter is warning them to tread the sands lightly and carry a big stick. DeSantis took on Walt Disney for disagreeing with his “Don’t Say Gay” agenda and has used the power of his office to cost the company millions of dollars. The perks that Disney has had in operating its various theme parks with limited interference from local government and practically having its own municipality have been dismantled by DeSantis.
What The Street Detective knows well is that DeSantis will go to great lengths to prove his point and push his agenda. The fight is vicious and long, but worth it. But it takes action and an army, not people standing around the water cooler talking about how dirty the situation is.
Desantis is seriously considering a bid for President in 2024 and his reviews are somewhat promising thus far. It may do Florida well to be rid of DeSantis, but could the landscape get even worse with him as President?
Ol’ Pete will continue to Stay Woke and dragging the sands in search of clues and answers.
Be the first to comment