Florida implements new communism history standards for students

Florida is implementing new “History of Communism” standards for students in grades 6 through 12 during the 2026-27 school year. These standards follow a 2024 law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis that expanded required instruction regarding communist movements, the conditions preceding revolutions, and atrocities committed under communist governments.

The curriculum is intended to be integrated into existing social studies, civics, government, and economics courses. One stated objective of the mandate is to prepare students to withstand potential indoctrination at the collegiate level.

Erika Donalds, founder of the Education Freedom Foundation, has advocated for Florida to lead the nation in teaching the “dangers of communism,” noting the state's significant population of residents who fled communist or socialist regimes in countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.