Four government schools in Florida were just kicked out of the state's school choice program by Governor Ron DeSantis after it appears their curriculum was created and directed by Communist China.
The announcement, made by the Florida Department of Education, did not offer details as to Communist China's specific involvement, but it appears the four schools were participants in the “Confucius Classrooms” program, which Communist China promotes as “cultural exchange.”
Under the program, primary and secondary schools in the United States receive funding from a $17 million program administered by Communist China.
Funded schools receive lesson plans and materials from the Chinese government billed as “cultural exchange,' but the materials often whitewash the regime's violent history or promote Communist ideology and Chinese propaganda, such as teaching that Taiwan is a “province of China.”
“Through a thorough investigation, FDOE has determined that Lower and Upper Sagemont Preparatory Schools in Weston, Parke House Academy in Winter Park and Park Maitland School in Winter Park have direct ties to the CCP and their connections constitute an imminent threat to the health, safety and welfare of these school's students and the public. The Department is working with the nonprofit scholarship-funding organizations to assist impacted students in finding and enrolling in nearby eligible schools. On May 8, 2023, Governor DeSantis signed SB 846 to prohibit any school affiliated with a foreign country of concern from participating in Florida's school choice scholarship programs,” the FDOE announced.
“The Chinese Communist Party is not welcome in the state of Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis in a statement. “We will not put up with any attempt to influence students with a communist ideology or allow Floridians' tax dollars to go to schools that are connected to our foreign adversaries.”
“The Chinese Communist Party has no place in our schools,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “I am grateful for Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their work to keep students and our communities safe from foreign countries of concern.”
According to the FDOE announcement, “since taking office Governor DeSantis has enacted major educational reforms targeting the Chinese Communist Party, such as”:
* Blocking access to TikTok on educational institution servers and devices.
* Prohibiting state colleges and universities from accepting any grant from or participating in any agreement or partnership with any college or university based in China or another foreign country of concern, unless approved by the Board of Governors or State Board of Education.
* Prohibiting state colleges and universities and their employees and representatives from soliciting or accepting any gift in their official capacities from a college or university based in China or another foreign country of concern, or foreign principal.
* Banning “Confucius Institutes,” which serve as propaganda centers for the Chinese Communist Party.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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