In a recent development that has stirred up controversy, Vice President Kamala Harris has criticized Florida's new middle school black history curriculum, claiming that it includes lessons suggesting that "enslaved people benefited from slavery." This statement has sparked a heated debate among commentators and educators alike, with some accusing Harris of creating a controversy out of nothing.

The new curriculum, approved by the Florida Board of Education, includes lessons stating that "slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." It also mandates teaching about "acts of violence perpetrated against and by African Americans."

Harris, speaking in Jacksonville, Florida, expressed her disapproval of the curriculum, stating, "Just yesterday in the state of Florida, they decided middle school students will be taught that enslaved people benefited from slavery. They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, and we will not stand for it."

However, CNN conservative political commentator Scott Jennings has taken issue with Harris's remarks, accusing her of making a mountain out of a molehill. "Well, it's amazing to me that how little Kamala Harris apparently has to do, that she can read something on Twitter one day and be on an airplane the next to make something literally out of nothing," he said.

Jennings further argued that the controversy over the new curriculum is a "made-up deal." He stated, "I looked at the standards. I even looked at an analysis of the standards in every instance where the word slavery or slave was used. I even read the statement of the African-American scholars that wrote the standards, not Ron DeSantis, but the scholars. Everybody involved in this says this is completely a fabricated issue."

Despite Jennings's criticism, fellow commentator Karen Finney defended Harris's remarks, calling them a "stellar moment." She argued that Harris was channeling what people were feeling and that the idea of discussing any personal benefits to slaves is "disgusting."

Another panelist, Ashley Allison, also defended Harris, stating, "I’m glad she spoke on the issue – just because black people write it doesn’t mean it’s going to be accurate. Like, we can disagree as black people as well."

The debate over Florida's new black history curriculum is ongoing, with critics arguing that it is part of a broader trend of controversial policies under Governor Ron DeSantis. Whether this controversy will lead to changes in the curriculum or merely fuel further debate remains to be seen.