Missouri School Board Reverses Decision to End Black History Courses

Courses to Continue with Updated, 'Politically Neutral' Curriculum Amid Protests and Skepticism

The Francis Howell School District board in Missouri has reversed its decision to end Black history courses following protests and backlash.
The board initially voted 5-2 to stop offering these elective courses, a decision that was met with protests from parents, students, and activists.
The board has announced that it will offer Black History and Black Literature with an updated curriculum standard in the 2024-2025 school year, which must be approved and is expected to be 'rigorous and largely politically neutral'.
Activists have expressed skepticism about the board's plan for a 'politically-neutral' curriculum, arguing that Black history and literature cannot be taught from such a perspective due to the socio-political impacts on the Black experience in America.
The board's decision and the subsequent reversal come amid a broader national context of intense political battles over school board elections and curriculum content, particularly around issues of race and sexuality.