All of which can widen the academic achievement gap between black and white students. "If you look at representative data students of color are over represented in the data you're trying to decrease, so the number of students who are expelled or placed in alternative placements, and they are underrepresented in sometimes your rigorous course tracks, if schools offer AP courses," said Brianna Crowley with the PA School Boards Association. It's also important for people to recognize the importance of black history. "In Utah, a school said students can opt out of learning out of Black History Month. My question would've been, ‘would it be okay for students of color to opt out of white history?’ African American history is a part of the fabric of American history," said Lassiter.