One of the most influential Black conservative groups in the country has criticized the recent changes made to Florida’s education curriculum, The Hill reports.

In a statement on Wednesday (July 26), the Black Conservative Federation expressed their outrage over how slavery has been mischaracterized by the state’s public school system.

“This stance undermines the historical reality of slavery and the unimaginable “hardships endured by millions of enslaved individuals,” the Black Conservative Federation’s statement read. “In reality, slaves were oppressed and denied access to education, equal opportunities, and social mobility.”

“They were forced to adapt and survive under extraordinary circumstances, showcasing remarkable resilience and resourcefulness,” the statement continued. “However, attributing their acquired skills as a benefit is an oversimplification and can obscure the true nature of their experiences. Slaves did not have ‘agency!’ They were forced to do jobs without pay. This is not a benefit by any stretch of the imagination.”

Florida has been the center of controversy over several policies that have been described as “anti-Black.” Last Wednesday (July 19), the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve new social studies standards for teaching African American history in K-12 classes.

Addressing the matter during a news conference on Friday (July 21), Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended what his critics have described as the Department of Education’s attempt to whitewash Black history and the ongoing effects of systemic racism.

"They're probably going to show some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into, into doing things later in life," DeSantis explained.

"The reality is, all of that is rooted in whatever is factual. They listed everything out. And if you have any questions about it, just ask the Department of Education,” Desantis continued. “These were scholars who put that together. It was not anything that was done politically.”

Vice-President Kamala Harris voiced her opinion about the state’s new educational standards while visiting the “Sunshine State” on Friday (July 21).

“They dare to push propaganda to our children. This is the United States of America. We’re not supposed to do that,” Harris said, adding that extremists want to “replace history with lies.”

As a result of Florida’s new educational guidelines, the Black Conservative Federation argued that Black Americans could withhold their votes from Republican candidates including Desantis who is running for president in 2024.

“Positions and implementation of curriculum like this dismiss and misrepresent the experiences of marginalized communities, hinder progress, and will alienate potential supporters,” said the group. “In order to grow the party, the GOP must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and an accurate understanding of our shared history.”