Florida has made history by becoming the first state in the nation to officially adopt the "Phoenix Declaration," an educational framework proposed by the conservative Heritage Foundation, also known for its political initiative, Project 2025.
The decision received approval from the State Board of Education during its meeting on November 13, held in Wakulla County.
Described by its creators as a guide to "promote the good, the true, and the beautiful," the document outlines principles such as parental choice, educational transparency, character development, and teaching rooted in "objective truth."
With this approval, Florida’s public schools will pioneer the implementation of this ideological framework, aiming to redirect educational content towards values deemed traditional and patriotic.
Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas, Florida's Commissioner of Education, defended the initiative by stating, "There is nothing wrong with teaching parental responsibility, curricular transparency, and academic excellence."
"We want to empower parents. We want a transparent curriculum and academic excellence for all our students," Kamoutsas emphasized.
"This reflects what we aim to achieve, not what we intend to ban," he added.
The official highlighted that the plan's goal is to "align education with America's foundational principles" and to nurture patriotism, respect, and discipline, countering what he referred to as "the imposition of progressive ideologies in classrooms."
Not everyone welcomed the measure. The Florida Education Association vehemently criticized the adoption of the Phoenix Declaration, labeling it a "political campaign disguised as an educational statement."
"Florida's students and families deserve investment in their public schools, not a political pledge crafted by external groups," the union stated in a release.
Other educators also voiced concerns about the increased workload and growing political interference in the education system.
Marihelen Wheeler, a retired teacher from Alachua County, argued that the state should "raise teacher salaries before imposing additional ideological tasks on them."
Understanding the Impact of the Phoenix Declaration in Florida
What is the Phoenix Declaration?
The Phoenix Declaration is an educational framework proposed by the Heritage Foundation, emphasizing parental choice, educational transparency, character development, and teaching based on objective truth.
Why did Florida adopt this educational framework?
Florida adopted the framework to align education with traditional values, promote patriotism, and counter the influence of progressive ideologies in the classroom.
What are the criticisms against the Phoenix Declaration?
Critics argue that the Phoenix Declaration is a political campaign disguised as an educational initiative and that it increases the workload for educators while distracting from necessary investments in public schools.