FFRF suggested comments for standards SS.7.C.1.12 (7th grade) and SS.912.C.1.5 (9th grade):

• “Judeo-Christian” is a contradiction in terms.
• Much of this benchmark is simply wrong. For instance, separation of powers is not a Judeo-Christian value, but came from Montesquieu. We know this because the Founders said so.
• The Ten Commandments did not influence our founding documents.
• Which ten commandments will be taught? There are four different sets in any bible and different bibles interpret them differently. The set in Exodus 20 contain rules that thoroughly conflict with American ideals of liberty and justice.
• This claim is simply not supported by history. Instead, it is an attempt to justify an exclusionary movement in pursuit of power today, right now. That movement is called Christian nationalism.
• The desire to teach the impact of so-called “Protestant work ethic” is really a Trojan horse to propagandize Christian nationalism and economic individualism, which fuel systems of oppression, including white supremacy and unregulated capitalism.
• Christianity has been used to defend the evils of slavery, genocide, segregation and systemic inequality of all stripes. Claiming our economic systems originate in rugged individualism and “divine guidance” is a well-worn Christian propaganda device, but is not true to the secular founding of our country. This serves those attempting to hoard social and political capital very well, while brainwashing public school children about the origins of our economic system.

You can send your comments to Michael DiPierro in the Bureau of Standards and Instructional Support at Michael.DiPierro@fldoe.org

Here’s the standards that the FFRF comments refer to

SS.7.C.1.12
Recognize how Judeo-Christian values influenced America’s Founding ideals and documents.
● Students will analyze the degree of civic participation inherent in these civilizations.
● Students will identify Judeo-Christian values (e.g., rule of law, God-given rights, quality of mankind, limited government, separation of powers, consent of the governed) in founding documents.
● Students will recognize the influence of the Protestant work ethic on economic freedom and personal responsibility.
● Students will recognize the influence of the Ten Commandments on establishing the rule of law in America.
● Students will explain what is meant by “All men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

SS.912.C.1.5

Analyze the influence of Judeo-Christian values on America’s Founding ideals and documents.

• Students will recognize Judeo-Christian principles of law and government in primary sources (e.g., rule of law, God-given rights, equality of mankind, limited government, separation of powers, consent of the governed) in primary sources to including but not limited to, the Articles, Lawes and Orders, Divine, Politique and Martiall for the Colony in Virginea (1610-1611); Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639); Massachusetts Body of Liberties (1641); Constitution of Massachusetts (1780)).

Copied from the Florida Department of Education letter:
The FLDOE encourages all stakeholders to participate in the review process. We encourage you to share these public comment opportunities with local stakeholders to help maximize the number of Floridians contributing to this critical process. If you have additional questions, please contact Michael DiPierro in the Bureau of Standards and Instructional Support at 850-245-9773 or by email at Michael.DiPierro@fldoe.org.