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HB 2089

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)

Tennessee schools must teach Victims of Communism Day annually and provide 45+ minutes of instruction on communist regimes' victims in high school world history courses.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HB 2089

Legislative bill overview

HB 2089 requires Tennessee schools to recognize November 7 annually as Victims of Communism Day and mandate at least 45 minutes of instruction on this topic in high school world history courses. The bill applies to both local education agencies and public charter schools statewide.

Why is this important

This legislation shapes how students learn about 20th-century history and authoritarian regimes, potentially influencing educational priorities and curriculum time allocation. It reflects broader national debates about how schools should teach political history and which historical events warrant mandatory instruction.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum mandates and teacher autonomy: Requiring specific instruction time reduces flexibility for educators to design curricula and may conflict with existing standards or priorities in world history courses
  • Selection of commemorative focus: Designating a specific date for communist regimes while not mandating similar instruction on other authoritarian systems (fascism, authoritarian monarchies, etc.) raises questions about educational balance and potential political selectivity
  • Implementation challenges: Schools must accommodate the requirement within existing course structures; unclear if this means condensing other material, extending course length, or reducing instruction on other historical topics

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

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