Fla. schools will teach history of communism
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Behind a podium with a sign that read “ANTI-COMMUNIST EDUCATION,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Wednesday requiring that the history of communism be taught in classes as early as kindergarten.
Under the bill, SB 1264, the Florida Department of Education would “prepare and offer” standards for the “age appropriate and developmentally appropriate” instruction on the history of communism for all grade levels. Certain concepts included heavily emphasis on the economic upheaval and personal freedom restrictions seen in many communist nations.
“The increasing threat of communism in the United States and to our allies through the 20th century,” is one of the mandated topics, which must start being taught during the 2026-27 school year. So is “the economic, industrial and political events that have preceded and anticipated communist revolu
“The increasing threat of communism in the United States and to our allies through the 20th century,” is one of the mandated topics, which must start being taught during the 2026-27 school year.
tions.”
Florida students currently can receive lessons on communism in highschool social studies courses or in a seventh-grade civics and government course.
A high-school government class that has been required for graduation also includes 45 minutes of instruction on “Victims of Communism Day,” which covers communist regimes through history.
The bill passed with bipartisan support, with only seven Democrats in the state House and Senate voting against.
Contributing: John Kennedy, USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida
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