Two key figures from the Little Rock Nine, the cohort of African American students responsible for the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957, have raised their voices against the recent decision made by the Arkansas Education Department in regard to AP African American studies.

Elizabeth Eckford, one of the members of the Little Rock Nine, voiced her concern about what she perceives as a deliberate attempt to erase historical narratives.

“I think the attempts to erase history is working for the Republican Party,” said Eckford in an interview with NBC News. “They have some boogeymen that are really popular with their supporters.”

Under the leadership of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R), a curriculum review was initiated earlier this year following the state’s prohibition of critical race theory. This review encompassed the scope of AP African American studies, a course that had been taught in two school districts in the state, including Central High School, during the previous year.

Florida adopted a similar stance, discontinuing the same pilot course. These actions are part of a broader movement across several states to reassess educational content related to race.