The Florida Department of Education, effective several hours ago on August 3, 2023, has banned Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology from being offered in Florida high schools. The state permits the continued teaching of AP Psychology, but with the caveat of removing course content on "how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development," a major component of the curriculum for both informational and college-credit purposes.

This ban is preventing millions of prospective or current students enrolled in AP Psychology from learning about gender identity and sexual orientation. As a sophomore in high school, I took the AP Psychology course and was exposed to so much important information that is otherwise being denied to a student population deserving of the opportunity to learn about themselves. This class, above all else, taught me how to think and not what to think.

Mandates that curtail education, in Florida or elsewhere, ought to be disavowed to the highest degree. Because without the greatest extent of educational opportunities at our disposal, we are powerless.

If you care about the power of education and its future in Florida, I implore you to sign and share with others.