GOOD NEWS: Texas to Begin Requiring Students to Learn About the ‘Perils of Communism’
Texas is moving forward with a major overhaul of its social studies curriculum that will require students to learn about the dangers and failures of communism.
Supporters argue that if more states took similar steps, the country might not be on the verge of seeing a self-described democratic socialist sworn in as mayor of New York City. They say the shift highlights a broader problem: an entire generation of students that has not been adequately taught how destructive and regressive communist ideology has been throughout history.
According to FOX News, the Texas State Board of Education has approved a sweeping rewrite of its social studies standards that places a new emphasis on the “perils of communism.” The revised framework, known as the “comprehensive” model, introduces a chronological approach to history that will significantly change how the subject is taught.
The Houston Chronicle reports that the new standards will increase the focus on Texas and U.S. history while eliminating standalone world cultures courses. Under the plan, third-grade instruction will begin with the “birth of Western civilizations,” and eighth grade will become a Texas history-only capstone course. The changes are scheduled to take effect in the fall of 2030.
The State Board of Education approved the overhaul in a narrow 8–7 vote in September. Democrats on the board voiced concerns, arguing that the revised curriculum places too little emphasis on global history and cultures.
At the same time, lawmakers in New York are pushing in the opposite direction. WSAZ News reports that new legislation advancing in the New York State Senate would require certain schools to teach students about the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
The proposed bill would amend state education law to mandate instruction on January 6 as part of required coursework on patriotism, citizenship, civic education, shared history, religious tolerance, and human rights. The legislation was introduced by State Senator John C. Liu of New York’s 16th District and is currently under review by the Senate’s Education Committee.
Critics question whether this move is driven more by politics than education. They argue that for decades, progressive activists have been far more successful at embedding their worldview into public education, while conservatives have failed to engage with the same urgency.
If the right hopes to influence what future generations learn, many say it will need to take the fight over education far more seriously.
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