The agenda for next week’s event included sessions on the state standards and talks by education department staff. The new standards aim to “strengthen” and “reinforce the teaching of the African American history” in Florida’s public schools, said John Duebel, the education department’s director of social studies, who ran the task force meeting.įlorida law for years required the teaching of African American history, but the new law (HB 551) passed this spring requires school districts to document their instruction plans to help make sure those lessons are being taught. Berny Jacques, a Republican from Pinellas County and newly appointed member, said he had conversations with education department staff and thought it would “be prudent” to delay. But all thought the new standards should be part of the teacher training event. The new members said they did not talk about the issue ahead of time. Later in the meeting, when it was clear the event would be postponed, Wright said: “I think this has been one of the most asinine discussions I’ve had in a long time as a professional.” “I’m a little livid,” he said, noting he and others who planned to speak or attend the institute next week would not necessarily be available later in the summer and saying it was wrong to cancel a week before the event.
Samuel Wright, a retired USF administrator, was more blunt.
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