Rasel Proposes Mandatory Ideology Course

Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Rasel announced plans to introduce legislation that would require public colleges and universities receiving taxpayer dollars to mandate instruction on the historical consequences of communism and socialism.

The proposal, titled the Unraveling Socialism Act, was circulated to House members through a co-sponsor memorandum on January 6, 2026, and is expected to be formally introduced at a later date. Rasel said the measure is intended to address what he views as a growing lack of understanding among young Americans about the real-world impacts of these political ideologies.

Concerns About How Young Americans View Socialism and Communism

In his memorandum to colleagues, Rasel pointed to survey data suggesting that many young people hold favorable views of communism and socialism or support these systems without fully understanding their meaning or historical outcomes.

He cited research indicating that 62 percent of Americans ages 18 to 29 report a favorable view of socialism, while 34 percent say the same about communism. Rasel also referenced a 2020 survey showing that 43 percent of Generation Z respondents were unsure what Marxism looks like in practice, along with polling that found 68 percent of Americans are unable to define socialism.

Rasel described these findings as a warning sign, arguing that communist and socialist systems have historically contributed to the collapse of nations and widespread loss of life.

“This is a dangerous trend,” Rasel wrote, stating that these ideologies have led to “the crumbling of nations and loss of life for hundreds of millions across the globe.”

A Mandated Course at Taxpayer-Funded Universities

As drafted, the Unraveling Socialism Act would take effect during the 2027–28 academic year. It would apply to any public institution of higher learning that accepts taxpayer funding from Harrisburg and would require students to complete a one-credit course focused on the dangers and realities of communism and socialism in a free society.

Rasel said the legislation is meant to serve as a counterbalance in higher education, ensuring students are exposed to critical perspectives on political systems that he believes are often portrayed positively in academic settings.

“All too often, we hear stories of college professors glorifying radical political theories and demonizing the American way of life,” Rasel said, adding that families who work hard to pay tuition deserve confidence that students are receiving a balanced education.

What the Required Course Would Examine

According to the memorandum, the course would explore the history of communism, the application of communism and socialism in modern countries, and what Rasel described as the systematic erosion of civil liberties, personal freedoms, and freedom of the press under those systems.

The proposal calls for close examination of societies where communism or socialism has been practiced or remains in place, including China, North Korea, Cuba, the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and Venezuela. Rasel said these case studies would allow students to evaluate how these ideologies function in practice, rather than in theory.

The curriculum would also highlight how communist leaders have used force to suppress personal freedoms and create economic hardship, reinforcing Rasel’s argument that these systems do not deliver peace or prosperity.

A Personal Reflection Driving the Proposal

Rasel tied the legislation to his own early memories of watching the fall of the Berlin Wall with his father, an event that symbolized the end of the Cold War and what many believed was the decline of communism as a global force.

“Roughly 35 years later we see Khrushchev’s dreams coming to fruition in New York, San Francisco and other American cities,” Rasel said. “It’s time we reclaim our education system and return to the original mission as a marketplace of ideas and personal growth.”

He said the bill reflects a belief that higher education should expose students to competing viewpoints rather than promoting a single ideological narrative.

Pushing Back Against Ideological Misrepresentation

In his memo, Rasel said the Unraveling Socialism Act is designed to combat what he described as misrepresentations of communism and socialism being projected onto Pennsylvania’s young adults. He warned that the “perpetual revolutions” associated with these ideologies do not result in stability or opportunity, but instead undermine the foundations of a free society.

“Our next generation must be well educated about the dangers of these historically violent ideologies,” Rasel wrote, emphasizing the importance of accurate historical context in shaping informed citizens.

Next Steps for the Legislation

The Unraveling Socialism Act has been circulated to all House members through a co-sponsor memorandum dated January 6, 2026. Rasel is seeking support ahead of formal introduction, after which the bill would move through the committee process for further consideration.

If enacted, the proposal would mark a notable change in Pennsylvania’s public higher education system by tying state funding to a required course examining communism and socialism. The bill is likely to prompt broader discussion about academic freedom, curriculum standards, and the role of government in shaping civic education.

For Rasel, the goal is clear: he believes students should graduate with a firm understanding of the historical record of these ideologies before embracing them as solutions for the future.