Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Wednesday signed a bill requiring public K-12 schools to teach what he called the truth about the evils of communism, claiming its necessary to do this before students can be misled about the topic when they enter higher education.

Its going to give the students the truth about communism, DeSantis said of the law at a signing ceremony, adding, We might as well tell them the truth when theyre in our schools, because a lot of these universities they go, theyre going be told how great communism is.

The new curriculum requirements, which include a focus on the history of communist movements in the U.S. and abroad, are set to go into effect in the 2026-2027 school year. The laws text requires educators to teach about the increasing threat of communism in the United States throughout the 20th century, as well as atrocities committed in foreign countries under the guidance of communism.

It also requires schools to teach students how communist ideologies conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

The truth will set us free, DeSantis said in a press release. We will not allow our students to live in ignorance, nor be indoctrinated by Communist apologists in schools. To the contrary, we will ensure students in Florida are taught the truth about the evils and dangers of Communism.