Peach Tree Times

Last week, Democratic members of the House and Senate Education committees convened a hearing at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta to discuss the ongoing debate surrounding the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course. These members released the following statement:

“Our hearing offered a vital platform for a diverse range of voices, including students, parents, and advocacy groups, to present their perspectives on the initial denial and subsequent approval of the AP African American Studies course. Central to the discussion were concerns about the timing of the decision and the impact of legislative measures enacted in 2022. Notably, House bills 1084 and 1178, alongside Senate Bill 226, were raised as concerns for their influence on educational content.

“House bills 1084 and 1178 and Senate Bill 226, which passed along party lines in 2022, address issues related to the teaching of ‘divisive concepts’ and establish a process for removing books and other educational resources. The connection between these legislative actions and the recent approval of the AP African American Studies course was focal points of much testimony.”

The meeting included an update from the Georgia Department of Education and the College Board on the recent approval process for the African American Studies course and surrounding issues. In response to testimony and concerns raised, these committee members pledged to investigate discussed issues further and collaborate with the General Assembly to address any underlying problems. The committee members are committed to ensuring that educational policies are fair and equitable so that all students have access to a diverse curriculum.

Democratic Members who participated in this meeting include Representatives Segun Adeyina (D-Grayson), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), Becky Evans (D-Atlanta), Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn), Karlton Howard (D-Augusta), Miriam Paris (D-Macon), David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs) as well as Senators Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), Donzella James (D-Atlanta), Elena Parent (D-Atlanta) and Horacena Tate (D-Atlanta).

To watch a video archive of this meeting, please click here.

Sen. Sonya Halpern serves as Democratic Caucus Vice Chair representing Fulton County's 39th Senate District which includes many neighborhoods in Atlanta, City of South Fulton, College Park, East Point, Union City. She may be reached at sonya.halpern@senate.ga.gov or by phone at 494-656-9644.

Sen. Donzella James serves as Chair of Urban Affairs Committee representing portions of Douglas & Fulton counties' 35th Senate District. She can be contacted via donzella.james@senate.ga.gov or phone at 404-463-1379.

Sen. Elena Parent chairs Senate Democratic Caucus representing DeKalb County's 42nd Senate District; reachable at elena.parent@senate.ga.gov or office phone: 404-656-5109.

Sen. Horacena Tate represents Cobb & Fulton counties' 38th Senate District; contactable via horacena.tate@senate.ga.gov or phone: 404-463-8053.