Georgia State Rep. Tanya Miller: Black History Should be Embraced

Georgia is in the national spotlight as one of two must-win states that will determine who ascends to the presidency. You would expect that under such scrutiny, our public officials might want to present the state and its voters as educated, informed, involved citizens. 

Why then, do Georgia’s leaders so often speak and act in ways that deliberately inflame and perpetuate our state’s long-held racial and political divisions? 

Georgia’s growing population spans all ages, races, faiths, cultures, ethnicities, and educational and economic levels. Our statewide public school system is “majority minority,” meaning the majority of students in our school demographics are Black students, Asian students, Hispanic students, Native American students, and a delightful array of multiracial students. We also have students who live in rural, urban and suburban areas. All across Georgia, our inclusive public schools strive to offer each student an outstanding learning experience and access to the same opportunities. That’s how we build an educated, informed and involved citizenry.

But, no. Instead of encouraging understanding and respect among students, Georgia’s leaders are strangely focused on what they insist are “divisive concepts.” Specifically, Georgia’s leaders are denying state funding for a course in Advanced Placement African American Studies.

Let’s be clear. This is nothing less than an attempt to erase and devalue African American history and heritage. Denying funding for AP African American Studies – an obviously racist, politically-motivated decision – simply demonstrates to children of color that their story matters less, or not at all. That is wholly unacceptable.

For reference, the Georgia Department of Education calls AP courses “college-level courses offered by trained high school teachers in the regular high school setting. Since 2008, over one-third of the seniors in Georgia public high schools were enrolled in AP courses. AP courses guarantee rigor in our classrooms.” It continues, “AP courses are challenging and require significant study time on a daily basis. Assessments in these classes require sophisticated critical thinking skills.” AP courses also allow high-scoring students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school.

Georgia currently provides state funding for AP courses in European History, Art History, World History, American Politics, and nearly three dozen other content areas. Yet, AP African American Studies alone is singled out as offensive, controversial, and even illegal for teaching so-called divisive concepts. 

As of late July, Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods planned on blocking the teaching of Advanced Placement African American Studies based on what he calls “areas of concern,” and he opines that, “If the Advanced Placement course had presented a comparative narrative with opposing views,” it would not violate Georgia law.

There are no comparable “both sides” requirements for other AP courses.

The fact is, understanding African American history is crucial for everyone. This country was built on the backs of Black Americans — literally— in many cases. AP African American Studies offers comprehensive, objective insights into American history, fostering a deeper understanding of our nation’s past and present. 

All-encompassing knowledge equips students with critical thinking skills and a broader perspective, preparing them to be informed and engaged citizens who can better address the systemic issues that continue to divide our nation today. Instead, this course of study, which will enlighten and challenge all Georgia’s students, is effectively now banned.

Much of the public outrage has been directed at Superintendent Woods, and while he certainly has earned the backlash he’s getting, it’s Georgia Governor Brian Kemp who intentionally created this manufactured controversy. Just two years ago, Mr. Kemp signed a law banning schools from teaching “divisive academic concepts about racism,” a law he championed by saying: “Here in Georgia, our classrooms will not be pawns to those who indoctrinate our kids with their partisan political agendas.” 

Except, that is precisely what Governor Kemp and his fellow GOP state leaders are doing now. They act not to protect our children, but to boost their own political power. 

So far, their proposed “solution” is to allow districts to choose to teach a non-AP African American studies class, which would not provide the full content or credit, the opportunity to earn college credit, or the academic recognition of the advanced placement course. Without state funding, only wealthier districts can afford to offer the AP course, thus deepening the educational inequalities and perpetuating urban and rural divisions in our state. 

The hypocrisy is breathtaking.

I am outraged by leaders who create divisive laws nobody asked for, then use them as cover for racism, all the while claiming to be neutral. One letter, asking for a few clarifications while taking no position on the issue, does not absolve Governor Kemp of responsibility. This is not a moment for equivocation. It is a time for leadership. 

I am determined to stand up against this bigotry and for every child who deserves to have our nation’s full culture and history valued, shared and treated as significant. 

That is why in the coming legislative session, I and other Democratic legislators will sponsor legislation to remove any barriers, real or perceived, to full state funding of AP African American Studies. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us to ensure that all Georgia students have access to a comprehensive, inclusive education and to all the opportunities they deserve, regardless of where they live. Moreover, Governor Kemp’s “divisive concepts” law must be repealed.

I also urge Governor Kemp, Superintendent Woods and the State Board of Education to fully fund AP African American Studies– just like any other AP course – so that students all across the state have access to a comprehensive, inclusive education. 

We owe our students nothing less.

Regardless of the law’s intent, shouldn’t it have occurred to our leaders to clarify the issue before imposing a statewide ban that forced districts to rework class schedules for hundreds of students before school started? 

Now, assuming the funding is restored, those same districts will have to hurriedly rework all those schedules once more in order for the AP course to be taught this school year. It seems all too “clear” that Georgia’s students and educators are not a top priority in the machinations of our elected and appointed GOP officials.

Finally, after weeks of public outrage, national negative publicity, and pushback from Georgia citizens and prominent elected officials, School Superintendent Richard Woods reversed course, announcing on August 7 that he will “follow the law,” adding that “the AP African American Studies course will be added to the state-funded course catalog effective immediately.”

Isn’t it embarrassing that Georgia’s Republican leaders have to be shamed and humiliated in order to do the right thing for their constituents? 

They should be ashamed.

Georgia State Representative Tanya F. Miller, ESQ., is a Democrat representing the 62nd State House District which contains portions of Atlanta and East Point. Miller also serves as the lead counselor with the Georgia Federation of Public Service Employees. The views and opinions expressed are entirely her own.

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