Florida’s New Conservative Education Model
- Equal Ground
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
What just changed: Florida adopts the ‘Phoenix Declaration’ for schools”
On Nov 13, 2025, Florida became the first state to adopt a new conservative education framework — the Phoenix Declaration — developed by the Heritage Foundation (the same group behind Project 2025). Florida Department of Education+2Spectrum News 13+2
Why it matters: This could reshape what is taught in our public schools — especially around history, civics, character, and values.
What Is the Phoenix Declaration?
A “vision for education” adopted by Florida’s State Board of Education. Florida Department of Education+2https://www.wctv.tv+2
Authored by the Heritage Foundation, a major conservative think tank. Yahoo
Aligned with some of the policy ideas in Project 2025. Yahoo+1
Not a law or regulation — more a set of guiding principles. WJXT+1
It's a philosophical framework, not a curriculum mandate yet. But its influence could be significant.
The 7 Guiding PrinciplesHere are the seven core pillars of the Phoenix Declaration: Florida Department of Education+2Florida Phoenix+2
Parental Choice & Responsibility
Transparency & Accountability
Truth & Goodness
Cultural Transmission
Character Formation
Academic Excellence
Citizenship
Why these matter: These principles shape how education is supposed to work under this model.
Principle Breakdown: What Does “Parental Choice & Responsibility” Mean?Explanation:
The Declaration states parents are “the primary educators of their children.” Florida Department of Education
It argues public education funds should “follow the child.” WKMG
Implication: This supports school choice, vouchers, possibly more privatization.
Potential impact for Black Floridians:
Could increase access to charter or private schools — but also risk diverting funds from public schools in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Could shift power away from school districts to parents, but not all parents operate with equal resources or influence.
Transparency & Accountability:
Schools must be fully transparent with parents about curricula, school policies, and student well-being. Florida Department of Education
Parents get more say / oversight, according to the Declaration.
Truth & Goodness:
Education should be grounded in “objective truth”, not ideological trends. Yahoo
The Declaration emphasizes moral formation — understanding good vs. evil, virtue, personal responsibility. Florida Department of Education
Why this could matter for students / communities:
Framing “objective truth” is potentially risky: who defines the truth?
The emphasis on moral virtue could be used to reinforce conservative social norms.
Transparency is good in theory, but implementation matters — will schoolbooks or lesson plans really be open, or just presented as “transparent”?
Cultural Transmission:
Students should learn about America's “founding principles and roots in the broader Western and Judeo-Christian traditions.” Florida Department of Education+1
They should study “competing viewpoints” but within a narrative that centers Western intellectual traditions. Florida Department of Education
Citizenship:
The Declaration calls for teaching civic virtues: self-government, rule of law, civil disagreement. Florida Department of Education
It emphasizes learning the “whole truth” about America — both its good and its flaws — but frames America as “a great source of good.” Miami New Times
Concerns for Floridians:
This framing risks minimizing the histories of oppression, colonization, and systemic racism, if “whole truth” is interpreted in a way that centers dominant narratives.
The “Judeo-Christian” and Western tradition emphasis could marginalize non-Christian or non-Western worldviews (including African traditions, Black histories, etc.).
Civic “virtues” could be taught in a way that prioritizes obedience or a particular political ideology.
Character Formation:
Schools should “cultivate virtue, personal responsibility, and self-discipline.” Florida Department of Education
Preparation for adulthood is not just academic — moral character is central.
Academic Excellence:
What to watch out for:
Who picks what is “content-rich” — whose knowledge gets center stage? There’s risk of erasing or minimizing the contributions and histories of Black people and other marginalized groups.
The push for excellence is positive, but if resources follow vouchers or private schools, public schools may suffer — disproportionately impacting Black communities who rely more on public schools.
Key criticisms:
The Florida Education Association (FEA) calls the Declaration a “political campaign disguised as an educational statement.” Florida Education Association
Critics warn it could be used to “politicize” public schools and push a conservative ideological agenda. Yahoo
Some believe it embeds Christian nationalist or exclusionary narratives into education. WJXT
Risks for Floridians:
Historical erasure: There’s a risk that Black history, systemic racism, and African Diaspora perspectives are minimized or reframed to fit a more “traditional” narrative.
Unequal access: If funds shift to voucher / private school models, public schools in Black neighborhoods could be under-resourced.
Ideological pressure: What counts as “truth” or “goodness” could become exclusionary or used to suppress dissenting viewpoints (e.g., about race, equity, social justice).
What This Means for You (Call to Action):
Stay informed: Ask your school district how (or whether) the Phoenix Declaration’s principles will affect curriculum and school policies in your area.
Engage: Attend school board meetings. Talk to district leaders, principals, and teachers.
Advocate: Demand transparency in curriculum changes. Push for inclusive, accurate teaching of Black history, systemic racism, and critical perspectives.
Build power: Support parent and community organizations that center Black voices and perspectives in education.
Vote: Local school board elections matter. Who makes decisions about curriculum and resources can shape how these principles are implemented.
