The Society for the Study of Social Problems is submitting this Public Comment in relation to the guidelines for the General Education Core Course Options (Rule Number 6A-14.0303). We strongly recommend that the Florida Board of Governors include the core course Principles of Sociology (SYG X000) among the general education requirements for Florida’s students. Founded in 1951, the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) is an interdisciplinary community of scholars, practitioners, advocates, and students interested in the application of critical, scientific, and humanistic perspectives to the study of vital social problems. Our stated purpose is to promote and protect sociological research and teaching on significant problems of social life and, particularly, to encourage the work of young sociologists; to stimulate the application of scientific method and theory to the study of vital social problems; to encourage problem-centered social research; to foster cooperative relations among persons and organizations engaged in the application of scientific sociological findings to the formulation of social policies; to foster higher quality of life, social welfare, and positive social relations in society and the global community and to undertake any activity related thereto or necessary or desirable for the accomplishment of the foregoing purposes. Currently, our membership totals over 1150 members, including dozens residing in the state of Florida. According to a news story published on November 17 by Inside Higher Ed, the Principles of Sociology course was removed at the last minute by Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. and against the recommendations issued by Florida faculty experts on education. The SSSP urges you to reconsider this decision. Introductory courses in the social sciences serve an important basis for understanding civic discourse in the United States. Without question, the course Principles of Sociology helps students develop civic literacy, a competency deemed important by the Florida State Board of Education. This course introduces students to the foundations of human societies, with an emphasis on social dynamics in the United States. It will allow students to understand the roles that individuals, groups, and institutions play in societal change. Importantly, sociology relies on scientific research, thereby providing students with an empirical understanding of the different realities of social life. This framework allows students to situate their viewpoints within a scholarly context, compelling them to investigate issues in depth. When you vote in January, we urge you to reinstate Principles of Sociology to the list of core options in the social sciences. If you would like to discuss this issue with professional sociologists and other social scientists and advocates, please reach out to our office: sssp@utk.edu. We would be happy to provide you with additional information on this important issue.