The Advanced Placement (AP) program is the US's standardized high-school course offering-- a proficient grade on an AP test can often be translated into college credit and/or an exemption from required college classes. According to US News and World Report, 73% of high schoolers nationwide had access to at least one AP class in 2015. 

There are currently six history courses in the AP curricula: Comparative Government, European History, Human Geography, United States Government and Politics, United States History, and World History. There are no course selections that are specific to the non-Western world. 

AP European History is offered as a non-American history option, while providing a much more niche study than possible within the bigger scope of AP Human Geography and AP World History. AP European History is relevant to American history because the US government was founded on Athenian democracy, Roman Republicanism, British Parliamentary structure, and Lockean philosophy. However, many American high schoolers do not hail from European roots (according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 47% of American adolescents are nonwhite). Given that the US advocates for a nation united under opportunity and diversity, any American institution, especially one dedicated to education, should strive to represent every group of people. 

Indeed, AP World History does cover parts of Asian, African, South American, and Australian histories. However, the curriculum of this course mainly focuses on the colonization of these countries -- not how indigenous peoples previously sustained their civilizations. For example, the Berlin Conference is covered thoroughly in this course, but not ever does the curriculum specifically discuss African history during the time. A quick glance at the general syllabus indicates that far more time is spent on covering history from the European and Western perspective. 

With the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many other innocent black people, the nation is protesting against systemic racism. In addition to signing petitions and donating, improving the American education system is as important in creating a more perfect union. The College Board must increase inclusivity in both their curricula and course selection of its AP program. The organization must place more emphasis on the non-Western worlds; an AP African History could be implemented in order to educate teenagers beyond slavery and colonization from the white perspective. An AP Asian History course could focus on the world’s longest-standing civilizations and their cultural impact. More representation of indigenous peoples in current AP history curricula is also necessary, especially in courses like AP United States History since Native Americans played a significant role in American history. We believe there is a place for every culture in the AP history program.

We understand that new curricula do not write themselves overnight, but even any of the suggested revisions to pre-existing courses have the potential to have a monumental impact. By learning about people with different cultures and backgrounds, teenagers can develop empathy that extends beyond both demographic and racial divides. 

Sincerely, 

Isabel T. and Andrew L.

AP students