Anastasios Kamoutsas, Commissioner at Florida Department Of Education | Florida Department Of Education
Governor Ron DeSantis participated in Victims of Communism Day, a day observed to honor the memory of over 100 million people who died under communist regimes. The day was established in Florida following the signing of House Bill 395 in 2022, which requires students to be taught about the failures and atrocities associated with communism.
"Three years ago, I signed legislation to designate November 7th as Victims of Communism Day in the state of Florida," Governor DeSantis said. "We remember those who demonstrated courage, made sacrifices and endured hardship while fighting for freedom and against communism. We must ensure the students learn the lessons of history, recognize he destructiveness of Marxism—Leninism, and appreciate the founding principles of the American republic."
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas commented on the significance of this observance: "Communism has destroyed nations, silenced faith, and robbed generations of their God-given freedoms. Florida stands firmly against this failed ideology and remains committed to teaching the truth about its atrocities. By confronting the evils of communism, we reaffirm our state’s enduring belief in liberty and the power of education to preserve freedom and our American way of life."
The legislation mandates that educational instruction on Victims of Communism Day include specific topics related to historical events under communist regimes.
In addition, Governor DeSantis expanded these educational requirements by signing Senate Bill 1264 in 2024. This law will require comprehensive instruction on the history of communism beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.
The Florida Department of Education assembled educators and experts to develop new academic standards designed to deepen students' understanding about how communist governments have restricted freedoms and caused suffering globally. The State Board of Education is scheduled to consider these proposed standards at its meeting on November 13.
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