Today, Governor DeSantis celebrated the implementation of Florida's History of Communism standards, the most comprehensive in the nation. With the implementation of these standards, Florida continues to set the national benchmark for civic and historical education, ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of communist ideology, including the erosion of individual rights, concentration of government power, and human suffering, while fostering a stronger appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities afforded by America's Constitutional Republic.
"As the new school year gets underway, Florida's new History of Communism education standards ensure that students receive comprehensive instruction on the historical reality of communism," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Thanks to legislation I signed, all high school students are now required to learn about the damage that this ideology has caused around the world and the experiences of those who suffered under communist regimes. It is our duty to make sure that the next generation understands the truth about communism, so they are less susceptible to the false promises of "socialists" who seek to subvert our way of life in service of a radical and dangerous agenda."
"Governor DeSantis has ensured Florida students learn the truth about one of history's most devastating ideologies and the immense human suffering it has caused around the world," said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. "By studying the atrocities committed under communist regimes, including political oppression, forced migration, famine, and the suppression of basic freedoms, students gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of concentrated government power and the loss of individual liberty. Just as importantly, Florida's History of Communism standards help foster a stronger appreciation for the freedoms, opportunities, and constitutional protections that define the American way of life. An informed understanding of history is essential to preserving liberty, strengthening civic responsibility, and preparing the next generation to safeguard the freedoms we hold dear."
In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 395, creating Victims of Communism Day and requiring Florida schools to provide at least 45 minutes of instruction on the history of communist regimes and the suffering they inflicted through poverty, famine, forced migration, political violence, and the suppression of fundamental freedoms, including speech and religion.
Building on that effort, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1264 in 2024, expanding the requirement to ensure students receive a more comprehensive understanding of communism's history and its impact around the world. Continuing Florida's leadership in civic and historical education, the State Board of Education approved new History of Communism standards in November 2025. The standards were revised to include the indictment of Raúl Castro and the collapse of the Maduro regime in Venezuela to provide students with relevant, real-world examples that illustrate the ongoing atrocities committed by communist governments. The History of Communism standards further strengthen Florida's nationally recognized social studies curriculum by providing students with a deeper understanding of the origins, consequences, and global effects of communism.
