Florida's Black History Standards Ignite Controversy and Political Absence

Black leaders and community members in Florida expressed outrage and condemnation over the state's new standards for teaching African American history. The controversial standards, approved by the state Board of Education, require educators to teach that "slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." The absence of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. at a town hall meeting addressing the issue further fueled criticism, with attendees accusing the governor and education department of throwing an "academic bomb" into the Black community. The standards have drawn national attention and sparked a polarized debate over what and how history should be taught in schools.