Three students, with the backing of civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, have threatened to file a lawsuit in response to the Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) administration’s decision to scrap plans for an AP African American Studies course.
This information was revealed during a press conference on Wednesday and comes after the College Board promised to change the course offerings.
Essentially, the state of Florida blocked the course because it was “inexplicably contrary to Florida law.” It was also alleged that it “significantly lacks educational value,” but the College Board announced that it would revise the course in hopes that it would be deemed acceptable under the DeSantis “Stop W.O.K.E. Act,” NBC News reports.
Now, three students have announced that they intend to seek legal action if the state continues to shut down the AP African American Studies course.
According to ABC News, one of the students remarked, “I realized that I have not learned much about the history or culture of my people outside of my parents and close relatives.”
Another spoke on how the state was robbing students of invaluable educational experiences.
“There are many gaps in American history regarding the African American population. The implementation of an AP African American History class could fill in those gaps.”
Similarly, the third student proclaimed that DeSantis doesn’t have “the right to take this opportunity from thousands of students across the state.”
These young Floridians also have the support of Ben Crump, who remarked that they’ll be the “lead plaintiffs” if a case is ultimately filed.
“If he does not negotiate with the College Board to allow AP African American studies to be taught in classrooms across the state of Florida, that these three young people will be the lead plaintiffs.”
He added, “This is what it’s about—it’s about them, this is what the fight is for. Never, ever forget that.”