Starting with the 2026-2027 academic year in August, Florida's public schools will implement new "History of Communism" standards for students in grades six through twelve.
These standards, approved by Florida's State Board of Education in November 2025, will delve into how communist regimes have been linked to poverty, hunger, political repression, and violence.
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) clarified that these standards, crafted by Florida educators and content experts, will be enforced from August 3rd.
"With the adoption of the History of Communism Standards, Florida leads the nation in providing students with a truthful and deep understanding of how communist ideologies suppress individual freedoms, abuse power, and cause widespread suffering," stated the FDOE.
The curriculum includes an examination of regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, China, and the former Soviet Union.
Significant Historical Events Under Review
Among the specific topics are the Cuban Revolution, Mao Zedong's Great Leap Forward, the Tiananmen Square Massacre, and the Soviet five-year plans.
The standards approved in 2025 already covered the shooting down of two Brothers to the Rescue planes by the Cuban Air Force on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario Manuel de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
On June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education updated these standards to include the criminal charges against Raúl Castro for his alleged role in the attack.
Educational Implementation Across Florida
Most of the content will be concentrated in two high school elective courses. However, the Escambia County school district has indicated that relevant points have also been integrated into various social studies course descriptions throughout the public education system.
Additionally, state law mandates dedicating at least 45 minutes of instruction to Victims of Communism Day, commemorated every November 7. In Okaloosa County, this instruction will be part of the mandatory U.S. Government course.
"Students will learn about communist ideologies, significant historical figures and events, the experiences of victims under communist regimes, and the impact of communism on the world and the United States. Instruction will also include comparisons between communism, totalitarianism, democracy, and individual freedom," the Okaloosa district stated in a release.
Controversy and Criticism
Paul Fetsko, a member of the Escambia County School Board, recalled that Florida once had a required semester course on this subject.
"It was a course on Americanism versus Communism, a semester-long course that, about 14 years ago, was mandatory for all seniors," he explained.
The curriculum has not been without criticism. PEN America labeled it a "dangerous rebranding of McCarthyism as patriotism" and warned that the standards might restrict educators' professional autonomy and freedom of expression.
Professor Eduardo Gamarra from Florida International University suggested that the state was effectively creating an "ideology" and an "official handbook" to teach communism, rather than allowing students to draw their own conclusions from evidence.
Fetsko defended the approach, saying, "I believe this is Florida's attempt to provide young people with factual information about the differences and true implications of that ideology."
Political Context and Legislative Evolution
This initiative stems from legislative changes driven by Governor Ron DeSantis, who in 2022 signed a law establishing Victims of Communism Day in public schools.
In 2024, he expanded the mandate to include comprehensive education on the history and global impact of communism, although this initiative is part of a broader political context.
Former President Donald Trump called communism "the greatest threat to the U.S. since World War II" in late June and declared "Anti-Communism Week" in November 2025.
Understanding Florida's New History of Communism Curriculum
What are the new History of Communism standards in Florida?
The new standards include curriculum on how communist regimes have been associated with poverty, repression, and violence, focusing on countries like Cuba, Venezuela, China, and the former Soviet Union.
Why is Florida implementing these standards?
Florida aims to provide a factual understanding of communism's impact on individual freedoms and global history, as part of a broader political and educational initiative.
How have the new standards been received?
The standards have faced criticism for potentially limiting educators' freedom and being seen as a politically motivated move, although supporters argue they provide essential historical context.