Axed African American Studies AP Course Reinstated By Harford County School Board

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The Harford County Board of Education voted unanimously early Tuesday to restore an Advanced Placement course on African American studies that board members had canceled just weeks before.

The class originally had been canceled because it "lacked positive narratives" and pushed "a narrative of victimhood," according to Maryland Matters. School board member Terri Kocher, who voted against the course last month, asked during the meeting what the difference is between the regular African American studies course versus the AP course, Maryland Matters reported. She also asked whether students in the course would feel that Black people are still oppressed.

The vote to reinstate the class came after board members listened to at least 2.5 hours of public comment from nearly 60 speakers, most of whom encouraged the board to keep the course. Last year, 67 students took the class and for the fall, around 200 students had signed up to take it.

“It has bridged the gap between Black and white, left and right, or right and wrong by creating a safe space for open dialogue, discussion and communication,” said Hayven Rowson, 16, a rising senior at Aberdeen High School, and one of three students who spoke. “Having this course available has meant everything to me and more.”

Read more at Maryland Matters