House Pushes Back on Communist Influence in American Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
December 6, 2024
WASHINGTON – Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the Crucial Communism Teaching Act with a bipartisan vote of 327 to 62.
H.R. 5349, authored by Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), makes optional educational materials available through the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to help educate high school students about the dangers of communism and totalitarianism and how those systems are contrary to the founding principles of freedom and democracy in the United States. “It’s not a radical idea to say that American values should be taught in American schools. But at a time when nearly a third of Gen Z are in favor of communism, it’s clear that we’re falling short when it comes to educating young people about the history and dangers of that ideology,” said Chairwoman Foxx. “The Crucial Communism Teaching Act is an important step in making sure that the future leaders of our great nation have the tools and knowledge to protect capitalism and freedom for the next generation. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for lending her first-hand experience and leadership to this vital effort.” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) also applauded the House’s adoption of the bill: “Communism has a long, dark history of political suppression, persecution, and violence. Unfortunately, the realities of communism are often overlooked or downplayed in our educational system, allowing malign foreign actors to push their agendas and influence American institutions. As we face growing challenges from adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, the Crucial Communism Teaching Act takes a stand against this dangerous trend. It is more important than ever that our students are taught the true dangers of communism and the importance of safeguarding our freedoms. I appreciate Congresswoman Salazar for her leadership and ensuring that the future of our country’s education system is rooted in the lessons of history and the preservation of our values.” BACKGROUND:
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