The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has revoked its approval of an AP African American Studies pilot program for the 2023-24 school year, after it was tested in a few schools in the previous year. The decision came after Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill that banned “critical race theory and indoctrination” in the classroom.
According to the ADE, the pilot program was not a history course and was still undergoing major revisions. The department said that without clarity, it could not approve a pilot that might unintentionally put a teacher at risk of violating Arkansas law. The ADE also said that there was no exam offered to students during the 2022-23 school year, and that the course “may not articulate into college credit.”

The pilot program was developed by the College Board, the organization that administers the AP exams, in collaboration with teachers, scholars, and community leaders. The course aimed to provide students with an interdisciplinary perspective on the history, culture, and contemporary issues of African Americans. The course also sought to foster critical thinking, civic engagement, and social justice awareness among students.
Pilot program faced criticism from conservative groups and lawmakers
The AP African American Studies pilot program faced criticism from conservative groups and lawmakers who accused it of promoting a divisive and anti-American agenda. They argued that the course was based on critical race theory, a framework that examines how racism and power structures shape society and institutions.
Critical race theory has become a target of backlash from Republicans across the country, who have introduced bills to ban or restrict its teaching in schools. They claim that critical race theory is a form of indoctrination that teaches students to hate their country and their race.
However, supporters of the pilot program said that it was not about critical race theory, but about providing students with a more accurate and inclusive representation of American history. They said that the course was designed to help students understand the contributions and struggles of African Americans, as well as their connections to other racial and ethnic groups.
Arkansas still offers another African American History course
Despite pulling out of the AP African American Studies pilot program, Arkansas still offers another African American History course in its Course Code Management System for 2023-24. This course is not an AP course, but students who complete it are eligible for high school credit.
The ADE said that it is working with districts to create an honors version of this course, so that students can benefit from a rigorous experience. The department also said that once the AP African American Studies pilot program is completed and finalized by the College Board, it will review it again for approval.
The College Board has not commented on the decision by the ADE to revoke its approval of the pilot program. However, the organization has stated on its website that it is committed to expanding access and equity in AP courses for all students, especially those who are historically underrepresented.