Miami Leaders Apologize to Gov. DeSantis Over Racism Accusation

By Ophelia Garrett

In Brief: 

Pierre Rutledge, chair of the Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Board, issued a statement on behalf of his board apologizing to FL Governor Ron DeSantis. His statement addressed a comment made at the board’s Wednesday meeting by a member who said, "Our governor is racist."

The Background: 

The recent accusation of racism comes after Gov. DeSantis shot down a curriculum that taught blatant and perverted sexual and queer theory as well as pro-Black Lives Matter organization propaganda, under the guise of African-American history Advanced Placement curriculum. 

"This course on Black history, what’s one of the lessons about? Queer theory," DeSantis said. "Now, who would say that an important part of Black history is queer theory? That is somebody pushing an agenda."

The course is now pending after College Board removed aspects of the course Wednesday that were opposed by DeSantis. The course will be reevaluated by the Florida Department of Education to determine if it is appropriate for schools.

Notable Quotes: 

"We take it to heart when someone uses the term racist. Words matter. And so as chair, I must start by saying we want to pull that back. There’s nothing wrong with saying ‘we’re sorry.’ That’s not what we intended to say or be depicted by anyone. And that’s not the feeling of this board." – Pierre Rutledge