The Douglas County school board unanimously approved a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies after hearing parents and educators express support for the new class during a meeting Tuesday evening. The Board of Education’s decision came after President Christy Williams initially delayed the vote during a Nov. 19 meeting, saying at the time that she hadn’t had enough time to review the course — which had drawn concerns from community members — and make sure it aligned with Douglas County School District’s equity policy. Williams said at the time that she had heard from community members who were concerned the course would teach students critical race theory, which is an academic concept that racism runs through American institutions, such as the legal and education systems. “A lot of people have talked about the course that was banned from certain states,” Williams said, referencing the fact that the African American studies course has been barred in Florida, where teachings on race have been restricted. “I can say now after researching and understanding that that has been revised and modified and doesn’t include some of the controversial topics that were in there initially,” she added. The seven-member school board must approve all courses taught in the district.