The congressman, once seen as DeSantis’s successor in Florida, is now facing criticism for questioning teaching standards on slaves learning beneficial skills.
The congressman, once seen as DeSantis's successor in Florida, is now facing criticism for questioning teaching standards on slaves learning beneficial skills.
Florida Middle School Curriculum Sparks Controversy and Twitter Feud
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ new educational standards, including teaching middle school students that some Black “slaves developed skills” they could benefit from, have caused a heated debate. One of the most vocal critics of this inclusion is Representative Byron Donalds, Florida’s sole Black member of the state’s GOP congressional delegation.
In a tweet, Donalds condemned the curriculum, stating that while the new African-American standards in Florida are good and accurate, the attempt to emphasize the personal benefits of slavery is wrong and needs to be adjusted. He expressed faith in the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) to correct this issue.
However, Donalds’ tweet did not go unnoticed. Later that evening, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. took a jab at the congressman online, asserting that the federal government would not dictate Florida’s education standards. Diaz Jr. defended the curriculum by stating that it is based on truth and that Florida will not back down from teaching the nation’s true history, despite criticism from a supposedly conservative congressman.
Surprisingly, members of DeSantis’ gubernatorial and presidential campaign teams joined in on attacking Donalds. A press secretary in the Executive Office of the Governor, Jeremy Redfern, tweeted that so-called conservatives in the federal government were pushing the same false narrative that originated from the White House. He commended Florida for not hiding the truth for political convenience and suggested that Donalds should not attempt to score political points like Vice President Kamala Harris did during her recent visit to Florida where she criticized the state’s new curriculum. To emphasize this point, Christina Pushaw, the rapid response director of DeSantis’ presidential campaign, responded to Donalds’ tweet with a GIF of Vice President Harris.
In response to the blowback, Donalds doubled down on his support for former President Donald J. Trump in the 2024 GOP primary race. He clarified that he supported the majority of the new African American history standards, but opposed one sentence that seemed to dignify the skills gained by slaves as a result of their enslavement. Donalds accused his critics of being disingenuous and trying to score political points, while expressing his pride in endorsing President Trump.
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The controversy and Twitter feud surrounding the Florida middle school curriculum reflect the ongoing debate about how history is taught in schools. It raises questions about the responsibilities of educators to present a balanced and accurate account of historical events while discussing the sensitive topics of slavery and race.
Donalds, currently in his second term in office, has been nominated by several of his GOP peers to become the speaker of the House in early 2023. Although this title ultimately went to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Donalds has expressed interest in running to replace Governor DeSantis when his term expires in January 2027.
The controversy surrounding the Florida middle school curriculum is a reminder that education plays a crucial role in shaping how we understand the past and the implications it has on the present and future. It highlights the importance of constructive dialogue and the need to address historical events with sensitivity, accuracy, and inclusivity.
