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Public comments on AP African American studies dominate Harford County school board meeting
Summary
Dozens of residents and educators filled the board’s public‑comment period to push opposing views on the newly approved AP African American studies course — with speakers disputing course content, process and the board’s handling of the June vote.
Dozens of residents, teachers and community leaders used the public‑comment period at the Harford County Board of Education’s Aug. 12 meeting to press the board about the recently debated AP African American studies course and broader curriculum decisions. Speakers offered sharply divergent views on what the course should include and criticized the board’s process.
Several speakers objected to elements of the AP course they said overemphasize identity politics and critical race theory. Christopher Anderson, identifying himself as with the Maryland Black Republican Council, told the board the course’s inclusion of topics such as the Black queer experience and material connected to Black Lives Matter was inappropriate for a history curriculum and asked that the course be revised. "If you’re going to teach history, teach the whole history or don’t teach none of it at all," Anderson said.
Others urged the board to trust educators and preserve the course. Christopher Providence, who thanked board members who voted to adopt the class, said the course had been "well received" by students and teachers and urged the board to "stop imposing personal opinions" on curricula. Jessica Fendrick, who identified herself as speaking for the NAACP and the League of Women Voters in Harford County, said the vote drew national attention and criticized the board’s earlier rejection of the course.
Speakers also debated process questions. Melissa Williams, a high‑school principal, said the framework for the course had been circulated to staff and discussed in April and May, and that the post‑vote public outcry did not change the factual timeline of when documents were shared with board members.
Several commenters raised related concerns about classroom materials, the book‑reconsideration process and student screening practices for early literacy. Jacob Bennett, a HCPS kindergarten teacher, asked the board to address uneven screening practices and curriculum choices that he said contribute to persistent achievement gaps.
Board members acknowledged the breadth of public sentiment. Multiple trustees thanked speakers for engaging and said they want to balance accuracy, inclusiveness, and parental concerns as the district moves forward. The superintendent and staff were asked to provide follow‑up information on registration practices and materials distribution.
The board did not take new formal action on the AP course at the Aug. 12 meeting; it heard public comment and directed staff to continue outreach and provide requested information at future meetings.
