Florida State Board approves new History of Communism curriculum standards

The State Board of Education has approved new History of Communism standards, which will be implemented in Florida schools starting with the 2026-2027 academic year. These standards were developed by educators and subject experts from Florida.

Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas stated, "With the resurgence of communist ideologies across the United States and throughout the world, it is more important than ever for students to understand the catastrophic failures and human suffering caused by communist regimes. Florida’s new History of Communism standards will ensure that students learn the truth about the brutal realities of life under communism and gain a deeper appreciation for the blessings of liberty that define our nation."

Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie, a member of the State Board of Education, added, "By adopting the History of Communism standards, we are equipping Florida’s students with an honest and rigorous understanding of how communist regimes exploited authority to erode freedoms and inflict generational harm. The new standards will help our youth become better informed citizens prepared to safeguard our constitutional republic for future generations."

Governor Ron DeSantis has taken steps in recent years to emphasize education on communism's impact. In 2022, he signed House Bill 395 into law, establishing Victims of Communism Day. This law requires schools to provide at least 45 minutes of instruction on this day about victims who suffered under communist rule through poverty, starvation, migration, systematic violence, and suppression of speech and religion. In 2024, Senate Bill 1264 was signed into law by Governor DeSantis to expand these requirements so that instruction now covers a comprehensive history and global impact of communism.