The State Board of Education has approved new History of Communism standards, which will be introduced in Florida schools starting with the 2026-2027 academic year. The standards were developed by educators and subject matter 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, said, “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.”
The move follows legislative actions by Governor Ron DeSantis aimed at increasing awareness about communism among students in Florida. In 2022, he signed House Bill 395 into law to establish Victims of Communism Day. This legislation requires schools to dedicate at least 45 minutes on this day to teach about victims who suffered under communist rule through means such as poverty, violence, forced migration, and suppression of rights.
In 2024, Senate Bill 1264 was enacted to expand these educational requirements further. The bill mandates comprehensive instruction on both the history and worldwide impact of communism in Florida’s school curriculum.
