‘Ensuring that the history of socialism is accurately taught to our children is an imperative goal for all states.’
SCHAUMBURG, IL (August 19, 2026) – Recent polls and election returns confirm that a large portion of young Americans support socialism and believe that democratic socialism is the future path for the United States.
While many factors have led to the rise in popularity of socialism among America’s youth, the driving force has been the U.S. public school system.
It is no secret that public schools in recent decades have done a poor job educating America’s students in core subjects like reading, math, and science. Likewise, student scores in basic social studies courses like civics and U.S. history have declined precipitously.
To counter the sheer misinformation about Marxist ideology that vulnerable young minds are being subjected to in social studies courses, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1264, “requiring instruction in public schools on the history of communism,” into law in 2024.
SB 1264 addresses the miseducation epidemic by “developing a set of curriculum standards so that teachers know exactly what content students should learn about communism.”
According to the newly revised Florida social studies standards, which went into effect in the 2026-27 school year, students in sixth through twelfth grades learn a variety of themes regarding socialism in a scaffolded structure.
First, in sixth grade, the students are taught ancient communal systems and the effect on their respective societies. In seventh grade, students are taught the effects of communist governments on individual freedoms, political participation, and the economy. In eighth grade, students examine early attempts at communal living in American society and their effect on economic stability and societal prosperity. And in ninth through twelfth grades, students are prompted to analyze the intellectual, political, and economic origins of communism.
As written, SB 1264, includes no direct or indirect language that could be interpreted as promoting censorship regarding positive aspects of socialist ideals. Therefore, this law does not censor speech or thought in the classroom but rather impresses upon teachers to maintain historical accuracy when teaching about socialism. The law only applies to “historical accuracy” of content. Free and open inquiry, including robust debate from all perspectives about the subject of communism in the classroom, is protected under the freedom of speech.
In recognition of Florida’s outstanding leadership on this vital education issue, The Heartland Institute is launching a 50-state campaign intended to educate lawmakers, governors, and education officials about commonsense solutions designed to ensure that students receive a full and accurate understanding of socialism and its history.
The Glenn C. Haskins Emerging Issues Center at The Heartland Institute serves as the “tip of the spear” in identifying and confronting the underreported challenges that threaten American sovereignty, individual liberty, and free-market capitalism. The EIC brings these emerging threats to the forefront of public and political awareness, empowering citizens and policymakers alike to act in defense of freedom and a thriving free-market society.
The following quotes, provided by Heartland Institute experts, can be used for attribution. If you’d like to interview a Heartland Institute expert on this topic or other topics, please contact Donald Kendal, the director of the Glenn C. Haskins Emerging Issues Center at [email protected], or contact Director of Communications Jim Lakely at [email protected]. You can also call/text Jim at 312-731-9364.
“While some Americans may consider such a law superfluous, I can vouch for its necessity as a former public school social studies teacher. Given the success of democratic socialists in recent elections, all states should ensure that the history of socialism and communism are taught accurately, properly, and effectively in their taxpayer-funded public schools.”
Chris Talgo
Editorial Director
The Heartland Institute
[email protected]
“As we approach a new school year, we are reminded about the importance of educating our nation’s students. Ensuring that the history of socialism is accurately taught to our children is an imperative goal for all states. Laws mandating that public schools accurately teach about the harms and danger of communism are essential as young Americans are more inclined than ever to support socialism.”
Samantha Fillmore
Senior State Government Relations Manager
The Heartland Institute
[email protected]
The Heartland Institute is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1984 and headquartered in Schamburg, Illinois. Its mission is to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems. For more information, visit our website or call 312/377-4000.
Chris Talgo is the Editorial Director for The Heartland Institute and a fellow for Heartland’s Glenn C. Haskins Emerging Issues Center.
Samantha Fillmore is a State Government Relations Manager for The Heartland Institute.
