A University of Florida professor modified her course syllabus to remove optional reading materials focused on “anti-racist” and “anti-bias” education after receiving inquiries from the news outlet The College Fix.
The class, titled “Early Childhood Curriculum,” originally featured a writing option directing students to read articles such as “Creating anti-racist early childhood spaces” and “An Inclusive, Anti-Bias Framework for Teaching and Learning about Race with Young Children.”
The latter text argued that because picture books predominantly feature white characters, visiting a public library “may implicitly communicate to young children that ‘whiteness’ is superior.” The assignment also covered concepts of white privilege and institutional racism.
Following initial questions from The Fix regarding how these concepts apply to early education, Professor Tara Mathien updated the document. The revised syllabus replaced references to racism and privilege with topics focused on social-emotional learning and inclusive early education. Mathien did not respond to the outlet to follow-up questions asking for specific examples of bias in elementary settings.
According to her faculty biography, Mathien specializes in syllabus development and culturally responsive instruction.
In response to the changes, Timothy Minella, director of higher education at the Goldwater Institute, called the move typical for higher education.
He argued that public universities need complete syllabus transparency so taxpayers can hold institutions accountable and students can make informed decisions about their coursework.
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