The Florida Senate

Tamarac, FL – On Thursday, August 3rd, the Florida Department of Education announced banning AP Psychology from being taught in state schools because the educational material includes gender identity and sexual orientation lessons. This announcement comes two weeks after the Florida Board of Education unanimously approved updates to the State's curriculum regarding the teachings of African-American History, which requires that students be taught slaves-developed skills for their personal benefit. In response to the banning of AP Psychology in Florida, Florida Senator Rosalind Osgood (D-Broward County) issued the following statement Thursday:

"Florida's decision to ban AP Psychology, two weeks after the approved updates to the State's African-American History curriculum, due to its inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation lessons is no coincident. The State of Florida is on a mission to erase everyone that doesn’t fit in the normal box of the term “inclusive.” Education should promote understanding, inclusivity, and respect for diverse perspectives. Denying students the opportunity to learn about important topics like gender identity and sexual orientation limits their understanding of the world. Ignoring important topics doesn’t make them go away, it hinders the ability to engage thoughtfully in a diverse society. By excluding these lessons, Florida lacks an opportunity to reduce prejudice and prepare students for a more inclusive and accepting future."

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About Senator Osgood

A proud Broward County native and Fort Lauderdale High School graduate, Dr. Osgood serves as a member of the Florida State Senate, representing District 32. To date, Dr. Osgood has over 22 years of background in non-profit management where she has served as CEO of the Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODCO), Associate Minister at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, Former Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University Huizenga School of Business, and member of the Broward County School Board’s District 5 representative where she served as Chair twice, her leadership advances to the Boards of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the Links, Inc., and the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition Board. Her motto remains, "Overcome Obstacles by Optimizing Opportunities.”