Bill would fund communism curriculum for US high schools

What does this do?

HR 2080 directs the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to develop a high school civics curriculum covering communist and totalitarian governments, their human rights records, and comparisons to American democratic values. The curriculum would include personal testimonies from people who lived under communist rule, called "Portraits in Patriotism." Materials would be designed to fit existing classes such as social studies, history, government, and economics, and would be updated to reflect current events including China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims and tensions around Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Who does it affect?

High school students, teachers, and school administrators would be the most directly affected, though only in schools that choose to adopt the materials. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit established by Congress, would be responsible for building and distributing the curriculum.

Why does it matter?

Schools that choose to adopt the materials would have a ready-made curriculum on communism and totalitarianism available at no development cost to them. Because participation is voluntary, the curriculum's reach would depend entirely on individual state and local adoption decisions.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• No dollar amount specified

Where does it stand?