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SB 2168

Education - As introduced, requires LEAs and public charter schools to recognize November 7 of each year as Victims of Communism Day to honor the people who have fallen victim to communist regimes; requires LEAs and public charter schools to provide high school students enrolled in a world history and geography course with at least 45 minutes of instruction on Victims of Communism Day. - Amends TCA Title 15; Title 49, Chapter 1 and Title 49, Chapter 6.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Yager

Tennessee public schools must recognize November 7 as Victims of Communism Day and teach 45 minutes of required instruction on the topic in high school world history courses.

Companion House Bill substituted
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Bill Summary · SB 2168

Legislative bill overview

SB 2168 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to officially recognize November 7 as Victims of Communism Day and mandates that high school students in world history courses receive at least 45 minutes of instruction on this observance. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee's education code to establish this requirement statewide.

Why is this important

This legislation shapes curriculum standards and allocates instructional time toward specific historical and political content in public schools. It reflects ongoing debates about how schools should teach 20th-century history, particularly Cold War-era events and communist regimes' documented human rights abuses.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum mandates: Requires schools to dedicate specific instructional time to a particular commemoration, raising questions about whether the legislature should prescribe curriculum content versus allowing educators professional discretion
  • Historical framing: The term "Victims of Communism" represents a specific political narrative; critics may argue schools should teach history analytically rather than through designated remembrance days, while supporters view this as appropriate acknowledgment of documented atrocities
  • Instructional time allocation: Mandating 45 minutes reduces flexibility in how schools structure world history courses and may conflict with other content standards or local priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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