Students in grades 6–12 will begin learning about the horrors of communism.
MIAMI—It has been more than 65 years since Fidel Castro’s regime pushed Dionel and Marina Cotanda to leave their beloved Cuba for the United States.
Unmarried and with only $65 between them—because the communists stole the rest of their money—they found exile in Tampa, Florida.
“They thought this was temporary,” their daughter, Lourdes Cotanda-Ercia, told The Epoch Times.
As the pall of communism settled over their homeland, however, they made America their home, going on to a successful marriage, military service, academic degrees, business successes, outspoken community leadership, three daughters, and several grandchildren.
As interest in communism grows among young Americans, the Cotandas, like other Cuban immigrants, welcome Florida’s decision to create the first school curriculum that teaches the dark history of the ideology they know all too well.
The Florida State Board of Education, at the direction of state lawmakers, voted on Nov. 13 to add lessons on the history of communism to Social Studies standards for students in grades sixth through 12th for the 2026-27 academic year.
“Florida’s new History of Communism standards will ensure that students learn the truth about the brutal realities of life under communism and gain a deeper appreciation for the blessings of liberty that define our nation,” Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas said in a statement at the time.
As Dionel Cotanda fled Cuba 65 years ago, his heart was torn.
In the airport terminal hung a quote from José Martí: “Solo los cobardes abandonan La Patria,” which translates to “Only cowards abandon the motherland.”
“Am I a coward for leaving?” Contanda asked himself.
But, after years of watching Castro rise to power and tighten his influence over the minds of their neighbors and control over their businesses, Cotanda remained firm in his decision.
Writing in his doctoral dissertation, he said he was sympathetic to Castro at first, but soon turned against the communists. He described the takeover as a “revolución de los callos,” callos being the Spanish word for callus or blister.
“Until they stepped on your toes, you didn’t react,” he said.
