Lawmakers may require students to watch ‘controversial’ film to graduate

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – There’s a new lesson plan that has educators more than a little fired up.

The creator of the film, “America: Imagine the World Without Her” says his film combats the lies your children are being taught about American history in school.

Now, state lawmakers want to require your child to watch it not once, but twice, to graduate.

In the political documentary, conservative filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza says students are consistently taught that America is a disgrace to the world, and the movie seeks to combat that idea.

Two conservative members of the state legislature want students to watch the film twice to graduate. Once, in 8th grade and the again in the 11th grade. Critics of the film say it’s propaganda and ignorant. Critics in Collier County say, it’s not the content that upsets them.

“If you want to show a political film in school, you should be able to. The issue is requiring it by force and saying you must show this film,” said Jared Grifoni, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Collier County.

Grifoni says requiring a film for graduation is unfair and would like to see schools teach multiple perspectives on history.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Grifoni. “We should be working to get rid of political and social engineering in schools regardless which side of the aisle is pushing it. This is the right side of the aisle pushing their agenda on students while accusing the left of the same thing.”

WINK News also talked about the idea with Collier County School Board member Kelly Lichter. She says the decisions should be made at the local level.

“As a school board member, I would love to see more civics in our schools, but that should be made at the local level,” said Lichter. “I say leave us alone.”

The bill includes an option for parents to opt-out their children from watching the film. WINK News reached out to the Republican Party of Collier County for a comment, but have not heard back yet.