TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a move that underscores Florida’s educational direction, the state’s Board of Education has given the green light to a new “History of Communism” curriculum, set to debut in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative, approved late last year, aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of communism’s historical impact.

According to a statement from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), the curriculum standards were crafted in collaboration with educators and subject matter experts from across the state. This educational framework is part of a broader legislative effort, following the enactment of SB 1264, which mandates that public schools address the “atrocities” associated with communist regimes throughout history.

“Given the resurgence of communist ideologies both in the United States and globally, it is crucial for students to recognize the tragic failures and human suffering inflicted by these regimes,” expressed Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas. His remarks highlight the urgency and contemporary relevance of this educational endeavor.

Amidst this educational development, there is heightened awareness within the teaching community. Educators have been cautioned about making inappropriate remarks, a reminder that gained attention following controversial comments related to the political commentator Charlie Kirk.

The curriculum comes as part of a law passed last year (SB 1264), which requires public schools to teach about the “atrocities” committed under communist regimes throughout history.

WHAT TO KNOW

The coursework involves instruction on communist movements in places like Russia, China, Cuba, and even in the U.S. itself.

According to Legislative analysts, instruction must include “age-appropriate” content about the following:

• The history of communism in the U.S. and domestic communist movements

• Atrocities committed in foreign countries under the guidance of communism

• Comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism

• The increasing threat of communism in the U.S. and to its allies

• The economic, industrial, and political events that have preceded communist revolutions

• The communist policies of Cuba and the spread of communist ideologies throughout Latin America

The subject is slated to be taught as part of a school’s social studies curriculum.

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Standards show that the topic will be taught as early as Grade 6, with education on the matter continuing through high school. Each grade level focuses on different facets of communism and communal societies.

You can find the full grade-by-grade breakdown of the “History of Communism” standards below.

• GRADE 7

  • Students will begin to assess the effects of communist governments on individual freedoms, political participation, and the economy. Instruction includes:

    • Censorship

      • The use of censorship to restrict free speech, the press, political dissent and religious expression

    • Central Planning

      • The failures of central economic planning (e.g., the Soviet Union’s Five-year Plans, China’s Great Leap Forward)

    • Political Comparisons