Broward Democratic Party Chair’s Statement on Florida Department of Education’s Revision of Black History

The Governor’s most recent assault on Black History curriculum in Florida is just the latest outrage leveled for political gain. As a Black, United States History teacher of middle school students and a legacy educator, I am especially appalled by the blatant attempt to erase my history.

The new guidelines created by the Florida Department of Education direct teachers to reinvent slavery as a skill building technique “applied for their personal benefit.” This is an absurd misrepresentation of one of the most horrifying institutions the world has ever known.

Further disabling an already intentionally under supported public education system is a dereliction of duty, and a broken promise. Florida’s children, educators, and Black constituency demand better. We demand the Governor and the Florida Department of Education comply with the Constitution and allow educators to teach history the way it happened and in the appropriate context.

Rick Hoye
Broward Democratic Party
Chair