Missouri School Board’s Controversial Decision: Removing Black History Courses

In a move that has stirred controversy and garnered national attention, the all-white Francis Howell School Board in Missouri voted to remove elective courses on Black history and literature from the district’s high school curriculum. This decision, which was voted on 5-2 by the board, has raised questions and concerns about the commitment to diverse and inclusive education.

The board members who supported the decision to drop these courses are backed by the conservative political action committee (PAC) Francis Howell Families. This group has been vocal in its criticism of the Black history and literature courses, falsely claiming that they included the teaching of critical race theory (CRT). Despite these claims, CRT, a legal theory that examines the intersection of race and U.S. law, is not part of K-12 education.

The decision comes after a series of conservative shifts by the board. In July, the same board had revoked an anti-racism resolution that was adopted following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. This resolution had committed to speaking firmly against racism and discrimination. Its revocation and the latest decision to remove Black history courses have been seen by some as a step backward in promoting racial understanding and inclusivity in education.

This action by the Francis Howell School Board reflects a larger national trend, where school board elections have become intensely politicized battlegrounds, particularly on issues of race and sexuality in education. Across the U.S., conservative groups have been influential in electing candidates who oppose teachings on race and sexuality, leading to book bans and educational bills that limit teaching materials relating to race, sexuality, and gender.

Despite the controversies surrounding the teaching of Black history and literature, polls suggest that a significant majority of American voters believe students should learn about the history of racism and slavery in the U.S. and its ongoing impacts.

The Francis Howell School District, one of Missouri’s largest, serves a predominantly white suburban area of St. Louis. The decision to drop these courses was met with protests and vocal opposition from several parents, students, and community members, who questioned the board’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and inclusive education.