Rightwing propaganda outlet PragerU’s materials approved for schools in Ron DeSantis’ Florida

A right-wing nonprofit that “offers a free alternative to the dominant left-wing ideology” has announced that Florida has become the first state to approve the organization as an educational vendor.

“This fall in schools across America, students will be watching PragerU videos in their classrooms as states officially make PragerU an approved educational resource,” the group said in a press release, according to the Miami New Times.

Related:

Faculty flee Florida college amid DeSantis’s quest to make it a conservative institution

The school is currently dependent on visiting faculty to fill the gaps.

PragerU, which is not an accredited academic institution, offers propaganda-filled materials for students in kindergarten through 12th grade through its PragerU Kids program. It describes itself as being in “the mind-changing business.”

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“In the past, teachers have been disciplined — even fired — for showing PragerU videos in their classrooms,” the press release states. “Now, PragerU videos are not only being allowed in classrooms but superintendents and education commissioners are actively encouraging teachers to use PragerU’s content to educate their students… PragerU supplemental curriculum offers an easy, cutting-edge way to teach core knowledge in subjects ranging from civics and history to entrepreneurship and financial literacy.”

In addition to a slew of videos for kids, the organization offers resources like a sample anti-critical race theory policy. Its videos claim the gender wage gap does not exist and that white people are unfairly villainized for stealing the land of Native Americans.

A petition on its website claims that “PragerU is trying to help America’s students—but the left (which has hijacked and controlled the education system, including teachers unions) is doing everything in its power to label us as ‘far right,’ deplatform us, and keep PragerU out of schools.”

“The left wants you to think that the reason students are failing is because bureaucrats need more money,” it states. “The left wants you to believe that teachers unions are protecting kids and doing right by teachers. The left claims kids don’t need patriotic education. Instead, they are teaching Critical Race Theory, gender fluidity, and that math is racist.”

The Florida Department of Education told the Miami New Times that it “reviewed PragerU Kids and determined the material aligns to Florida’s revised civics and government standards.”

“PragerU Kids is no different than many other resources, which can be used as supplemental materials in Florida schools at district discretion,” said deputy director of communications Cassie Palelis.

Gov. Ron DeSantis‘s (R) office did not respond to a request for comment, but the group’s way of thinking is in line with the governor’s right-wing ideology.

During his time in office, DeSantis has waged war on public education, most notably through his “Don’t Say Gay” law and his vendetta against the teaching of racial and LGBTQ+ issues in schools.

In May, he signed a law forbidding colleges and universities from spending state or federal funding on programs that promote political or social activism or “diversity, equity, and inclusivity” (DEI). DeSantis said such DEI programs often actually stand for “discrimination, exclusion, and indoctrination.”

In 2022, DeSantis signed the so-called “Stop WOKE Act,” which forbids schools and businesses from offering educational programs on racism and gender-based discrimination. The law is currently on hold as a court considers its impact on constitutionally protected rights to free speech.