House File 12 is among the priorities for Iowa House Republicans during the 2023 legislative session. The bill, which was filed by Rep. Skyler Wheeler and cosponsored by 30 other Republicans, would require one-half uint of U.S. government taught in high school include a comparative discussion of political ideologies that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy that were essential to the founding of America.
“It is important students are taught about reality in education,” Rep. Wheeler said. “The reality of communism is that communism kills. Far too many people have fallen victim to the crimes of communism across the world. We must ensure Iowa’s students understand the inherent dangers that come with communism.”
Arizona became the second state to pass legislation requiring students to be taught about the crimes of communist regimes in June of 2022.
Arizona’s bill also requires the State Board of Education to establish and maintain a list of oral history resources to be used along with the civic education standards that provide portraits in patriotism based on first-person accounts of victims and other nations’ governing philosophies who can compare those philosophies with those of the U.S.
Andrew Bremberg, president of Victims of Communism, said educating people o the crimes of communism is the cornerstone of the group’s mission.
“This education is especially crucial for America’s youth during their formative years,” he said.
Bremberg highlighted a poll that shows only 63 percent of Gen Z ad millennials believe the Declaration of Independence better guarantees freedom and equality over the Communist Manifesto.”
Florida was the first state to pass such a bill, with Gov. Ron DeSantis signing it in 2021.
