Critical Race Theory

American philosopher Cornel West spoke in Tallahassee during a panel discussion about social justice issues on Saturday, a few days before lawmakers meet in regular session.

Florida Gov. DeSantis' pugnacious approach to issues involving race, sexual orientation and public health has pushed him to the front of the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Corcoran is a former Republican House speaker and led high-profile initiatives for DeSantis while serving as education commissioner.

WUSF would like to tell your story: Share why teaching and learning Black history is important to you, along with your concerns over the decision to reject an Advanced Placement course on African American studies.

Black lawmakers, religious leaders and local elected officials are organizing events to speak out after the state Department of Education’s Office of Articulation earlier this month sent a letter The College Board that the Advanced Placement African American Studies course won’t be offered in Florida public schools.

Florida rejected an Advancement Placement course on African American studies, saying it's "filled with" critical race theory. But scholars who helped create the course say it's not in lesson plans.

The state education department rejected the program, saying it is "inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value."

A law past last year requires school boards to adopt procedures that provide for the “regular removal or discontinuance” of books that don't align with state standards, among other factors.

The governor wants state colleges to submit information on programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion,and critical race theory.

The smallest school in Florida’s university system, New College of Florida has about 700 students and lists one of its core values as building a “just, diverse, equitable and inclusive community” on campus.

The workgroup developing the training includes members of the conservative group Moms for Liberty, who have aggressively voiced their concerns about the material children encounter at school.

DeSantis has often said rulings that halt his legislative priorities are likely to be reversed by appeals courts in Florida that are generally more conservative.