DeSantis, Donalds Clash Over Florida's Slavery Curriculum

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican Rep. Byron Donalds clashed on Thursday over Florida's new school curriculum, which has drawn criticism from the Biden administration and liberals across the country over its approach to slavery.

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Vice President Kamala Harris, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla. (Getty Images)

 DeSantis said that Donalds, who is the only Black Republican in Florida's congressional delegation, had "criticized the curriculum for being too honest about the horrors of slavery." DeSantis said that Donalds was "wrong" and that the curriculum was "accurate and truthful."

Donalds responded by saying that he had not criticized the curriculum for being too honest, but rather for "trying to whitewash history." He said that the curriculum was "not truthful" and that it "minimized the horrors of slavery."

The debate over the Florida slavery curriculum is the latest in a series of clashes between DeSantis and Donalds. The two men have different views on a number of issues, including race and education.

It is unclear what the future of the Florida slavery curriculum will be. It is possible that the curriculum will be revised in response to the criticism, or it is possible that it will remain in place.

The debate over the Florida slavery curriculum is significant because it raises important questions about how we teach about slavery in the United States. Some people believe that the curriculum should focus on the horrors of slavery and the systemic racism that continues to exist in the United States. Others believe that it is important to teach students about the different perspectives on slavery, including the perspectives of enslaved people themselves.

The debate over the Florida slavery curriculum is likely to continue for some time. It is a complex issue with no easy answers.

Here are some additional thoughts on the debate:

• The debate over the Florida slavery curriculum is a reminder that history is not always black and white. There are different perspectives on slavery, and it is important to teach students about all of them.
• The debate over the Florida slavery curriculum also highlights the importance of teaching about systemic racism. Systemic racism is a complex issue, but it is important for students to understand how it has shaped American history and society.
• The debate over the Florida slavery curriculum is likely to continue for some time. It is a complex issue with no easy answers, but it is an important conversation to have.

What do you think about the debate over the Florida slavery curriculum?