Lafayette Reporter

The House of Representatives has passed a companion bill to Senator John Kennedy's Crucial Communism Teaching Act. This legislation aims to educate students on the history and dangers associated with communism. The bill will now be considered by the Senate.

Throughout history, over 100 million people have died under communist regimes, and currently, 1.5 billion individuals live in countries governed by communist systems.

Senator Kennedy stated, "Communist leaders have taken the liberties and stolen the lives of millions of people around the world. The Senate should follow our colleagues in the House by passing the Crucial Communism Teaching Act so that young Americans really understand the threat that Marxist leadership poses to freedom."

Representative Maria Salazar introduced this act in the House. She remarked, "By passing my Crucial Communism Teaching Act, the House of Representatives will ensure future generations will remember the pain and suffering caused by the brutal communist ideology. My community in Miami is no stranger to the evils of communism, and we must ensure all Americans are aware of the death and misery it has caused. Their stories and memories will now live on in the minds of our youth."

A poll conducted by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation reveals a lack of understanding among young adults regarding communism's historical significance. It also shows that one in five Millennials and one in three members of Gen Z view communism favorably.

The proposed act would provide educational materials through this foundation to inform high school students about communism's dangers and its impact on totalitarian regimes. Additionally, it mandates high schools to teach how communism contradicts America's founding principles of freedom and democracy.