Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy, Rick Scott, and Eric Schmitt have introduced the Crucial Communism Teaching Act to educate students about communism's history and dangers. The bill aims to provide schools with resources to teach future generations about the threats posed by communist ideologies.

"Communism is a cancer, and it always produces the same results: oppression, suffering and death. We must teach the next generation of Americans the threat communism poses to liberty and justice for innocent people around the world," stated Kennedy.

Rick Scott emphasized that America stands as a beacon of freedom compared to communist regimes. "For families across America, particularly many in Florida, America shines as a beacon of freedom and democracy, standing in stark contrast to the communist regimes that once stripped them of their basic freedoms and liberties," he said. He added that "our bill, the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, will provide schools with necessary resources to educate our future generations about the dangers of communism."

Eric Schmitt expressed concern over young people's perceptions of communism. "At a time when nearly one-third of Gen Z hold a ‘favorable opinion’ of communism, it is clear our education system has fallen short educating young people about the dangers of communism," Schmitt noted.

The companion bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Maria Salazar. She highlighted her community's understanding of communism's evils: "By passing my Crucial Communism Teaching Act, the House of Representatives will ensure future generations will remember the pain and suffering caused by brutal communist ideology."

According to statistics mentioned in support of this initiative, 100 million people have died due to communism worldwide. A 2020 poll indicated significant portions of Millennials and Generation Z view communism favorably.

The proposed legislation would make educational materials available through the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation for high school students. It also mandates teaching how this ideology undermines America's principles.

During its previous session, Congress passed this bill in the House.