Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 presidential candidate, defended Monday his ban on teaching an African-American history course in his state, a decision sharply criticized by civil rights groups, AFP reported.

“We want education, not training,” the Republican, known as one of the loudest voices in the “culture wars” dividing the United States, told a news conference.

Teaching some parts of African American history is mandatory in Florida. But this month, the state banned a high school course that delved into the topic.

The authors of this program are “trying to impose an ideology on our children,” accused the 44-year-old governor, a rising star of the American hard right.

The course ban was met with a chorus of criticism from civic groups and the democratic opposition.

“Governor DeSantis’ attacks on free speech pose a serious threat to our democracy,” the powerful rights group ACLU warned.

During a trip to Florida on Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized DeSantis’ presidential ambitions, saying that “anyone who bans the teaching of American history has no right to shape America’s future.”

Last year, the governor already made a commitment to education issues by signing a law banning the teaching of subjects related to sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary schools.