Florida’s decision to remove sociology as a core college subject is generating concerns among educators. They fear this move could lead to a significant drop in college enrollments.
“Woke Ideology”
This change is part of Governor Ron DeSantis’s campaign against what he terms “woke ideology” education.
Board Decision
The state’s board of education, influenced by Governor DeSantis, voted on Wednesday to substitute the traditional sociology course with a U.S. history curriculum focused on a “historically accurate account of America’s founding, the horrors of slavery, the resulting Civil War, and the Reconstruction era.”
“Factual History Course”
The board added that students will be able to take a “factual history course that focuses on the forces that shaped America as part of their general education course requirements.”
Controversial Forced Labor Curriculum
Last summer, the board received widespread criticism for mandating that public schools teach that forced labor was advantageous to enslaved Black individuals as it purportedly imparted valuable skills to them.
Sociology Dominated by Left
Florida’s Education Commissioner Manny Díaz, a strong supporter of DeSantis, criticized sociology courses, claiming, without proof, they were dominated by leftist activists.
“Anti-Woke” Elements
This action is the latest in a series of moves by the Florida government to combat what they view as “anti-woke” elements in education.
Association’s Response
The American Sociological Association stated there is no “evidentiary basis” for replacing the sociology course.
Decision Based on Misunderstanding
“This decision seems to be coming not from an informed perspective, but rather from a gross misunderstanding of sociology as an illegitimate discipline driven by “‘radical”‘ and” ‘woke” ‘ideology,” the association expressed in a statement.
Vital for Civic Literacy
It added, “Sociology is the scientific study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior, which are at the core of civic literacy and are essential to a broad range of careers.”
Florida’s Failure in Civics Education
“Failure to prioritize the scientific study of the causes and consequences of human behavior is a failure of Florida’s commitment to providing high-quality civics education and workforce readiness,” the statement concluded.
“Outrageous” Decision.
The association urged the board to overturn its “outrageous” decision.
“Tragic Blow to Students”
The American Association of University Professors posted on X that “The decision to remove sociology from Florida’s core curriculum is a tragic blow to students’ intellectual freedom. It will prevent generations of students from being introduced to subject matter that is uniquely suited to address complex challenges.”
Decision as Part of “Culture Wars”
Anne Barrett, a sociology professor at Florida State University, characterized the decision as the most recent shot in the “culture wars” being waged by DeSantis and his allies on college campuses.
Decline in Enrollments
She predicted a drastic drop in sociology enrollments and potential department closures, leading to faculty layoffs. Barrett emphasized the broader societal costs, highlighting the role of sociology in teaching empirical research and critical thinking skills.
Positive Impact
The board, however, expressed confidence in the positive impact this change would have on student education.
Students to Learn Nation’s History
Ray Rodrigues, the Chancellor of the State University System of Florida, said, “Florida’s students of our State University System will have the opportunity to learn about the creation and development of our nation as part of the core course options.”
Reforms Required
Education Commissioner Díaz echoed Governor DeSantis’s position that college campuses are rife with radical left activism and require reform.
“Destructive Ideologies”
Diaz last week said, “Higher education must return to its essential foundations of academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge instead of being corrupted by destructive ideologies.”
Recent Education Reforms
Other recent educational reforms in Florida include the prohibition of an advanced African American studies course and a new policy to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education, aligning with DeSantis’s views.
DEI Funding Ban Approved
On Monday, the board approved a measure banning the use of state or federal funds for DEI programs in the Florida College System.
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