In a reversal, Georgia now says districts can use state funding to teach AP Black studies classes

A group of teachers and advocates stand behind a podium at the Georgia State Capitol
Georgia teachers and advocates join Democratic state lawmakers to hold a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in response to the state School Superintendent’s decision to block an AP African American Studies course. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Georgia state Superintendent Richard Woods said Wednesday that the state will pay for districts to teach a new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies, a day after he said districts could only teach the course using local funds.

In the face of blossoming outrage, the Georgia Department of Education now says districts are free to teach the course and the state will pay for it as long as districts use a code linked to an existing state-approved course in African American studies.

“Districts can choose to use that course code and teach some or all of the standards in the AP course, and students may take the associated AP exam,” Meghan Frick, a spokesperson for the state department, wrote in response to Associated Press questions.