Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill establishing ‘Victims of Communism Day’

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that establishes a “Victims of Communism Day” in the state and requires students to learn about communism.

“Through HB 395 and the funding announced today, we are guaranteeing that the history of those who fled communist regimes and their experiences are preserved and not forgotten by our students. While it’s fashionable in some circles to whitewash the history of communism, Florida will stand for truth and remain as a beachhead for freedom.”

DeSantis designated November 7th as “Victims of Communism Day” at an event at the Freedom Tower in Miami on Monday. He also announced he’d approved $25 million in funding for preservation of the Freedom Tower, which is a historic landmark and important site for the Cuban exile community.

“I think this tower is a reminder that freedom is not free, that you have to fight for your rights and that there are a lot of people out there that would love nothing more than to put you under some form of oppression,” DeSantis said.

“Honoring the people that have fallen victim to communist regimes and teaching our students about those atrocities is the best way to ensure that history does not repeat itself,” DeSantis went onto say.

He also announced 26 new road designations, including for three Cubans who fought against the Cuban regime.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeannette Núñez (R) said at the news conference that the bill was in line with efforts to remove critical race theory teachings and other “woke terms” in the classroom.

“Throughout this country, we are seeing communism and socialism being romanticized,” she said at a press conference. “Positive attitudes are at an all-time high in this country. But not here in Florida, because freedom, not Marxism, has a home here in the free state of Florida.”

Núñez added the legislation would “not only teach our children but their children’s children, the importance of freedom, the terrible tyranny of communism, making sure that November 7th, they will all understand what has happened throughout this globe throughout history.”