Category: Donzella James

ATLANTA — Last week, Democratic members of the House and Senate Education committees convened a hearing at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building to discuss the ongoing debate surrounding the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course. These members released the following statement:

“Our hearing offered a vital platform for a diverse range of voices, including students, parents and advocacy groups, to present their perspectives on the initial denial and subsequent approval of the AP African American Studies course. Central to the discussion were concerns about the timing of the decision and the impact of legislative measures enacted in 2022. Notably, House bills 1084 and 1178, alongside Senate Bill 226, were raised as concerns for their influence on educational content.

“House bills 1084 and 1178 and Senate Bill 226, which passed along party lines in 2022, address issues related to the teaching of ‘divisive concepts’ and establish a process for the removal of books and other educational resources. The connection between these legislative actions and the recent approval of the AP African American Studies course were focal points of much of the testimony.”

The meeting included an update from the Georgia Department of Education and the College Board on the recent approval process for the African American Studies course and the surrounding issues. In response to the testimony and concerns raised, these committee members pledged to investigate the issues discussed and collaborate with the General Assembly to address any underlying problems. The committee members are committed to ensuring that educational policies are fair and equitable, ensuring that all students have access to a diverse and comprehensive curriculum. These committee members will continue to review the testimony and evidence presented during the hearing and will provide updates on their findings and any subsequent actions taken.

Democratic Members of the House and Senate Education committees who participated in the meeting include: Representatives Segun Adeyina (D-Grayson), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), Becky Evans (D-Atlanta), Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn), Karlton Howard (D-Augusta), Miriam Paris (D-Macon), David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs) and Senators Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), Donzella James (D-Atlanta), Elena Parent (D-Atlanta) and Horacena Tate (D-Atlanta).

To watch a video archive of this meeting, please click here.

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Sen. Sonya Halpern serves as Democratic Caucus Vice Chair. She represents the 39th Senate District in Fulton County which includes many neighborhoods in Atlanta, City of South Fulton, College Park, East Point and Union City. She may be reached at (494) 656-9644 or via email at sonya.halpern@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Donzella James serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs. She represents the 35th Senate District, which includes portions of Douglas and Fulton counties.  She may be reached by phone at 404.463.1379 or by email at donzella.james@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Elena Parent serves as Chair for the Senate Democratic Caucus. She represents the 42nd Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb County. She may be reached at her office at 404.656.5109 or by email at elena.parent@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Horacena Tate represents the 38th Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton County. She may be reached at 404.463.8053 or by email at horacena.tate@senate.ga.gov.