Lincoln, Nebraska — A new proposal in the Nebraska Legislature would require all K–12 public schools to teach what the bill describes as the dangers and historical record of communism, adding another flashpoint to ongoing debates over how politics and ideology are taught in classrooms.
Legislative Bill 1024, introduced by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, would mandate that school districts begin teaching the global and U.S. history of communism starting next school year. The bill directs schools to cover topics ranging from what it calls the “increasing threat of communism” during the 20th century to mass killings committed under communist regimes. Murman chairs the Legislature’s Education Committee and said the goal is to ensure students are taught about what he views as the real-world consequences of communist systems.
Murman argued that younger Americans increasingly express favorable views toward socialism or communism and said lawmakers should act to ensure those ideologies are critically examined in schools. Five other Republican senators have cosponsored the bill in Nebraska’s officially nonpartisan legislature.
The proposal also includes a requirement that students pass a written exam identical to the civics portion of the U.S. citizenship test before completing eighth grade and again before graduating high school.
The Nebraska State Education Association opposes the bill. Union president Tim Royers said communism is already covered in existing standards and warned the legislation undermines local school boards and educators by prescribing curriculum from the state level. Murman countered that lawmakers have authority to set educational guidance and said the bill provides legal clarity on required instruction.
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