Burlington Free Press

Fla. schools will teach history of communism

- Douglas Soule

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

This reporting content is supported by a partnershi­p with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

 ?? ?? Under the bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, 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. TONY GIBERSON/PENSACOLA NEWS JOURNAL FILE
Under the bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, 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. TONY GIBERSON/PENSACOLA NEWS JOURNAL FILE

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States