Kamala Harris Slams Ron DeSantis' 'Insult' on African Americans, Black History
Vice President Kamala Harris responded firmly to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' offer to discuss the state's African American history standards, following the approval of controversial new teaching rules, according to The Hill.
Speaking at the Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Quadrennial Convention in Orlando, Florida, Harris criticized the proposed curriculum to teach students that enslaved people benefited from slavery.
She stated that such attempts to legitimize unnecessary debates were an insult and a form of gaslighting aimed at dividing and distracting the nation.
Harris firmly asserted that there are no redeeming qualities of slavery, and she emphasized that there would be no acceptance of any invitation or roundtable to debate this undeniable fact.
Kamala Harris' visit to Florida amid tensions with Governor DeSantis over the state's new education standards.
She had previously characterized the move as "pushing propaganda" onto children during a separate trip to the state last month.
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Black Republicans Also Slam Ron DeSantis' Black History
Black Republicans, including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, currently running in the GOP presidential contest, have voiced criticism against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his recent comments.
They have called on him to clarify his position regarding remarks made about slavery, USA Today noted.
One notable figure, GOP Rep. John James of Michigan, took to social media to express his concerns, stating, "Nothing about that 400 years of evil was a 'net benefit' to my ancestors."
In response to Vice President Kamala Harris's criticism of the new history curriculum in Florida schools, DeSantis issued a challenge, inviting her to a meeting in Florida.
He also proposed having William Allen, an academic who contributed to the curriculum's development, present at the meeting.
Additionally, DeSantis suggested that Harris could invite someone who shares her views, such as American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, to present the opposing side.
In her response to DeSantis's challenge, Weingarten retorted that engaging in a debate with him was unnecessary, drawing a parallel to his presidential campaign struggles.
She firmly asserted, "I didn't debate Mike Pompeo, and I certainly won't debate Ron DeSantis over whether slavery had 'benefits.'"
She invoked the authority of historical figures, stating, "That debate was settled by Lincoln-and DeSantis's side lost."
Vice President Kamala Harris Meets Teachers Who 'Want to Teach the Truth'
During her visit to Florida to address the state's new African American history standards, the vice president expressed her support for educators who wish to teach the truth without fear of repercussions, Florida's Voice reports.
The new standards have sparked controversy due to a provision that suggests slaves gained certain skills during captivity, which later proved beneficial to them personally.
In response to criticisms, the creators of the standards clarified their intent, stating that the benchmark was meant to highlight how some slaves developed highly specialized trades that benefited them.
Kamala Harris criticized those opposing the new standards, labeling them as extremists who aim to ban books and replace history with falsehoods.
She released a video featuring Florida educators discussing their concerns about the current push to eliminate "woke" and "indoctrination" from the education system.
The educators expressed distress over the interference of politicians in their teaching methods, fearing that they might lose their jobs or face consequences for expressing particular views.
They also highlighted the challenges posed by a significant teacher shortage in the state.
Throughout the video, Vice President Kamala Harris listened attentively to the teachers' perspectives and offered her support.
She acknowledged the difficult position teachers find themselves in and affirmed her commitment to ensuring they have the freedom to educate without fear.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
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