In Florida, we are leading this effort. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, public school students will learn that 110 million people died under the communist regime from 1900 to 1987. This political and economic philosophy has spread misery and despair in every corner of the planet. And what is even more heartbreaking, today, millions of innocent people continue to be subjugated by the communist regime.
In places like North Korea, Venezuela, China, the former Soviet Union, and everywhere else under communist rule, the promise of a utopia is always present, but never materialized. Instead, we see how populations are stripped of their human rights, plunged into poverty, hunger and the repression of thought. Lethal and systematic violence is the dark legacy these regimes leave in their wake. The Berlin Wall, an infamous symbol of oppression, was erected not to protect, but to confine those who yearned for freedom.
The same goes for Cuba. Just 90 miles south of Florida! Fidel Castro and his Marxist followers not only seized power, but transformed a prosperous nation into a prison. Under the façade of “equality for all”, they used state power to stifle any dissenting voice, burying the hopes, dreams and future of entire generations. In Cuba, democracy was never even a possibility. The only possible way out was to escape.
In places like Miami, where the reality of communism is fresh in the memories of those who lived in its shadow, incredible stories of survival and the indomitable human spirit breathe life into American communities. Likewise, the memories of those who perished in search of freedom resonate strongly, reminding us of the importance of fighting for our ideals and never taking our freedom for granted.
We cannot ignore this historical nightmare. It is our moral duty to educate students about the history of communism, just as we educate them about the Holocaust and the horrendous evil of Nazi Germany, the history of the Japanese internment camps during World War II, the history of African Americans , including slavery, abolition, racism, segregation, and more.
Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and legislative sponsor Senator Jay Collins, a retired Army Special Forces member and Purple Heart Medal recipient, Florida has taken the lead in expanding the state’s mandatory training law to include this critical issue. And we are all better for it.
With the signing of Senate Bill 1264, public school students will learn about the history of communist movements in the United States, communist atrocities committed in foreign countries, and Cuba’s communist policies and their ideological spread throughout Latin America , and the current threat of communism in the United States and to our allies today.
Students will immerse themselves in the events of the Chinese Cultural Revolution and other atrocities perpetrated by communist regimes, while embarking on intense debates about political ideologies. They will analyze communism along with totalitarianism, two forces that directly collide with the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy, the pillars on which the United States is built. Additionally, the Florida Department of Education will ensure world-class academic standards, enriched by contributions from individuals and organizations committed to preserving the memory of the victims of communism.
All of this innovative instruction will be delivered appropriately, ensuring that it is appropriate for each stage of development and adheres to the most rigorous standards of professionalism and accuracy.
Of course, there are detractors. There are those who mistakenly see communist monsters like Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and Mao Zedong as icons of a supposed political vanguard, as if they were modern symbols of a progressive politics instead of recognizing the reality that they were brutal oppressors. However, in any case, people are free to express their opinions, although it is important to remember that in a communist country, such freedom simply does not exist.
Florida is not afraid to lead. Currently, we are ranked first in the nation in general education and our higher education system has been ranked first for the past seven consecutive years, according to US News and World Report. This is no accident, nor is Florida’s growing moral legacy.
Two years ago, Governor DeSantis took a historic step by signing legislation establishing November 7 as “Victims of Communism Day” and restoring the Freedom Tower in the heart of Miami. This act symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the memory of those who have suffered under totalitarian regimes. And as part of our continued resolve, along with this year’s educational mandate, we are forging the path toward a freer and more just future by creating the Institute for Freedom in the Americas at Miami Dade College.
Its mission transcends borders and seeks to preserve the ideals of a free society, promote democracy and partner with the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University. This institute will be a beacon of hope and resistance against any form of oppression, always reminding us that freedom is our inalienable right and our greatest strength.
Florida will teach the history of communism, and we will defend the flags of education and freedom.
