Staff Reports
Tim Scott, the 2024 presidential candidate, has joined the chorus of critics attacking Ron DeSantis over Florida’s black history curriculum. The controversy revolves around a line in the curriculum written by a majority-black panel. The line requires teaching the skills that formerly enslaved people learned and used to their “benefit” after abolition. Dr. William B. Allen, a member of the panel, has defended the intention behind the line by pointing out that it aims to highlight the stories of former slaves who overcame adversity. Despite this explanation, Tim Scott still chose to attack DeSantis.
NEW: Tim Scott tells reporters in reaction to DeSantis saying Black people benefited from slavery, “There is no silver lining in slavery… People have bad days. Sometimes they regret what they say, and we should ask them again to clarify their positions.” pic.twitter.com/SGfefU6IZq
— Stephanie Lai (@stephaniealai) July 28, 2023
Scott argued that there is no silver lining in slavery and that any benefits people suggest existed during that time could have been achieved as free individuals. He emphasized the devastating effects of slavery, including the separation of families, the mutilation of humans, and the rape of wives. Scott called on every person in the country and any presidential candidate to appreciate this historical reality.
It’s worth noting that Scott’s statement mischaracterizes the curriculum. The sentence in question is part of a section on the history of freemen, not on the benefits of slavery. It remains unclear whether Scott has read the curriculum himself. His mention of “running for president” needing to clarify their positions is a direct jab at DeSantis, reflecting criticisms from Byron Donalds, who is connected to the Trump campaign.
From a political standpoint, DeSantis can benefit from being attacked over this issue in a Republican primary. This dynamic has been seen before, where a well-liked Republican facing criticism receives support from most primary voters. However, the impact on a general election is a different discussion that only becomes relevant once a nominee is chosen. Overall, being on the side of an issue that most Republican primary voters defend can strengthen DeSantis’ campaign.
