GOP Rep. Byron Donalds, the sole Black member of Florida's congressional delegation, has expressed criticism of a new middle school instruction standard on Black history in the state. The standard includes a clause that states "how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." Donalds posted on social media, stating that while he believes the overall standards are accurate and robust, featuring the personal benefits of slavery is wrong and needs to be adjusted. This criticism from Donalds has drawn backlash from allies of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who have attempted to tie Donalds to Vice President Kamala Harris, who also criticized the standards. Florida's education commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr., defended the new standards and questioned Donalds' conservatism, stating that the state will not back down from teaching the nation's true history. DeSantis himself has defended the new standards, comparing them to language in an AP African American Studies course framework. Donalds responded to the attacks against him, stating that those who cannot accurately interpret his statements are being disingenuous. Jason Miller, a senior adviser to former President Donald Trump, praised Donalds for speaking out against the standards. In a speech last week, Harris criticized the changes to Black history instruction and accused them of insulting and gaslighting. The changes were made after DeSantis signed the “Stop-WOKE” law, which aims to protect students and workers from discrimination. DeSantis has defended the new guidelines while distancing himself from them, stating that he was not involved in their creation.