Ron DeSantis Asks For Information On Trans Students & Rejects AP African American Studies

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was recently inaugurated for his second term at the beginning of January. Since then, he's expressed some major requests that have concerned the public who have shared their opinions online.

He rejected AP African American Studies as a valid course, he wants colleges and universities to give him information on students who have 'gender dysphoria,' and he plans to do away with COVID restrictions regarding vaccines and masks.

While these are three major topics, his Florida community is clapping back at his choices. So, let's break down each one.

AP African American Studies

On January 12, a letter obtained by ABC News reveals that the governor's office is against making African American Studies an Advanced Placement course.

"As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value," the letter reads.

New York Congressman, Ritchie Torres responded to the news on Twitter.

"SHOCKING: Ron DeSantis has BANNED the teaching of AP African American Studies in Florida. Florida has gone from Don’t Say Gay to Don’t Say Black," he wrote.

Human Rights Lawyer and Sirius XM show host, Qasim Rashid, wrote that this is an example of white privilege.

"DeSantis banning AP African American Studies is a reminder of that old quote — White privilege is when your history is the curriculum and every other history is an elective," his response reads.

Gender Treatment Information Request

The Florida Governor sent a memo to Florida's University Board of Trustees requesting information and data on "all individuals, including those who were under 18 at the time of any encounter or treatment" dating back to January 2018.

He sent a list to the board with his specific wants.

DeSantis wants information on all encounters between students who seek sexual reassignment treatment and their healthcare providers.

He wants knowledge of first-time appointments and where the facilities are. He also is seeking the number of students who were and were not diagnosed with ICD-10 Code F64 — gender identity disorders.

The requests also ask for data on those who underwent various medical procedures and their prescribed medications, as well as those who received sexual reassignment treatment already.

Lastly, he wants to know the school's policy and procedures regarding this matter.

Removing COVID Precautions Initiatives

On January 17, DeSantis tweeted that he is making an initiative to protect against forced "biomedical policies" to be permanent.

This includes:

• COVID vax passports
• COVID vax & mask requirements to attend any school
• Any COVID mask requirements
• All discrimination based on vax or booster status

According to Newsweek, he admitted in an interview on FOX News that he did receive "the normal shot" regarding vaccines.

This COVID-19 initiative seems to be the only one that has received a divided response from locals. Many seem happy that he is hoping to ban these restrictions, while others are quite concerned.

DeSantis hasn't made any comment about his push on the education system.