In South Carolina, there is a dark chapter being written as AP African American History is stripped from the curriculum, denying students the chance to receive college credit for learning the disturbing truth of our nation's past.
In June 2024, the South Carolina Department of Education confirmed that AP African American wouldn't be included in the state's roster of AP courses for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. The memo states that the course "attributes to significant controversy" and cited ongoing legal and political controversy as reasons for the removal. Although school districts aren't restricted to teach "locally-approved honors courses", without the official AP status, students no longer receive state-funded exam fees, weighted GPA benefits, or guaranteed college credit by passing the exam.
AP African American studies officially became a course piloted by Collegeboard in the 2022-2023 school year. Just like any AP class, it's used to challenge students with college level coursework. Every student deserves the opportunity to take AP courses without the state education departments making decisions that undermine the learning experience—especially for minority students who deeply understand the value of AP AA studies. Sadly, this is the reality for Black students in South Carolina.
In response to the South Carolina Department of Education's decision, the NAACP State Conference of South Carolina, together with students, educators, and civil rights advocates, filed a federal lawsuit—NAACP-SC v.Weaver—challenging the state law that caused the removal of AP African American Studies. The lawsuit argues that this violates students' constitutional rights by censoring educational content and disproportionately impacting Black students.
As of mid 2025, the federal lawsuit still remains unresolved. A preliminary injunction hearing was held in July, where both sides presented arguments, but no ruling has been issued yet. The court's decision, expected soon, could determine whether the course is reinstated with South Carolina's recognition and full benefits.
As the new school year approaches, one question remains clear: What were South Carolina's true intentions behind removing AP African American Studies from the curriculum? South Carolina's decision to remove the course was officially to comply with rules against "political controversy." But in reality, it appears to be an effort to limit teaching about racism and Black history—continuing the state's dark history of silencing Black voices.
Without AP status, students—especially Black and low-income students—lose the chance to earn college credit and study the truth of America's history. Could the real reason be to keep control over which parts of America's past are told, and which are left out?