Socialism looks appealing when schools refuse to teach its horrific, real-world cost

U.S. Education Department Urges Schools to Expand Lessons on Communism’s History

The U.S. Department of Education released a “Dear Colleague” letter in early November, urging schools and universities across the country to strengthen instruction on the history and human toll of communism and socialism. The communication comes in advance of the National Day for the Victims of Communism, which falls on November 7 each year.

The letter emphasizes that many states have already taken steps to ensure students learn about the impact of centralized regimes. Florida is highlighted as one example. The state officially recognizes November 7 as Victims of Communism Day and requires high‑school students in U.S. government courses to receive instruction on communist regimes and the suffering of their victims.

In Florida’s high‑school curriculum, teachers must cover the origins and development of communist governments, the mechanisms of state control, and the consequences for individual rights and human life. The state’s law mandates that students learn how these regimes have historically suppressed dissent, persecuted religious groups, and imposed economic plans that have led to shortages and reduced personal freedoms.

The Department of Education’s letter calls for a broader, more comprehensive approach to teaching about political and economic systems. While the letter does not prescribe specific curriculum content, it stresses the importance of providing students with a balanced view of how different governance models have shaped modern history.

A 2025 survey conducted by the Cato Institute and YouGov found that 62 percent of Americans under the age of 30 view socialism favorably. More than one third of respondents also expressed a favorable view of communism. The data suggests a growing affinity for socialist ideas among younger generations, a trend that many educators and policymakers cite as a reason to enhance historical and political education.

The National Day for the Victims of Communism, observed worldwide, is intended to commemorate the millions who died or suffered under communist regimes. In the 20th century, estimates of deaths linked to communist governments range over 100 million, according to various historical studies. The day serves both as a remembrance of past atrocities and a reminder of the importance of civic education.

The Department of Education’s letter is part of a broader effort to ensure that U.S. schools provide students with a solid understanding of political history, including the rise and fall of different economic systems. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge needed to evaluate contemporary political choices and to recognize the consequences of various governance models.

While the letter encourages schools to broaden their coverage of communism and socialism, it does not mandate specific instructional materials. Rather, it calls for schools to incorporate these topics into existing history, social studies, and economics curricula in ways that reflect accurate historical records and scholarly consensus.

Educators responding to the letter have noted the need for professional development and resources to meet these new expectations. Several state departments of education have already begun to review their curricula and provide training to teachers on how to address the complexities of political systems in a balanced and fact‑based manner.

In Florida, the state’s requirement is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at improving civic education. The state’s curriculum standards already require that students learn about the principles of democracy, the rights of citizens, and the challenges of governing a diverse nation. Adding instruction on the history of communism seeks to expand that framework.

The Department of Education’s call for expanded instruction reflects growing concerns among policymakers and educators about gaps in students’ understanding of political history. By addressing these gaps, they hope to foster a more informed electorate capable of engaging with contemporary debates over economic policy, social welfare, and international relations.

The National Day for the Victims of Communism will again be observed on November 7, with events held across the country to honor the memory of those who suffered under communist regimes and to promote civic education that highlights the dangers of totalitarian governance.