The criticism from Mr. Donalds, a Black conservative who has endorsed former President Donald Trump in the 2024 race, sparked a verbal tussle with aides for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a GOP presidential contender who has defended the education standards.
A 216-page document approved by the education board this month includes updates to standards for Black history. One clarification in the document says: “Instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.” Mr. DeSantis is defending the standards. He said the change was not done in a political manner and pointed to academics on a board who oversaw the changes and believe the update is factual and worth teaching.
“This new curriculum is based on truth. We will not back down from teaching our nation’s true history at the behest of a woke @WhiteHouse, nor at the behest of a supposedly conservative congressman,” Mr. Diaz tweeted.