College Board refuses to modify AP courses to abide by Florida law on sexual orientation teachings

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The College Board told Florida it will not modify its coursework to abide by state’s restrictions on gender and sexual orientation teachings in high schools.

The College Board provides AP courses, which high school students can take to receive college credit.

The board said in a letter to the state that AP Psychology’s teachings on gender and sexual orientation “must remain a required topic.”

Removing those teachings “wouldn’t prepare students for careers in the discipline,” the board claimed.

In response to the College Board’s letter, the Florida Department of Education said the board is responsible for submitting materials that comply with Florida law.

“It is worth noting that College Board does not maintain a reliable position and is susceptible to outside influence by the mainstream media and political activists, as shown here,” Florida Department of Education Press Secretary Cassie Palelis said.

The department sent a letter to the College Board May 19, requesting they ensure their courses are in compliance with the state’s rule prohibiting teachings on gender.

“Some courses may contain content or topics prohibited by State Board of Education rule and Florida law,” the department said.

The State Board of Education approved a rule April 19 that prohibits instruction to students in grades 4-12 on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The exceptions include if such instruction is expressly required by state academic standards or if it is part of a reproductive health lesson. Parents have the option to opt their students out of the health lesson.