Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Act

Summary#

This bill directs the Director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to study how the Holocaust is taught in public elementary and secondary schools. The study must begin within 180 days of enactment and cover all States, a representative sample of local school districts, and a representative sample of public schools. The study must check whether Holocaust education is required or optional, review State and local standards, list instructional materials and teaching methods, note use of museum and community resources, identify teacher training and resource needs, and describe how schools assess student learning about the Holocaust and about antisemitism, hate, and genocide. After the study, the Director must send a report to Congress no later than 180 days after the study finishes or 3 years after enactment, whichever comes first.

What it means for you#

• A federal study will look at how public schools teach the Holocaust and related topics like antisemitism.
• The study will examine curricula, how much class time is used, what materials teachers use (including primary sources), and how teachers measure student learning.
• The study will look for gaps, training needs, and whether States or districts share curriculum materials or work with museums and cultural centers.
• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will lead the study and must report findings to Congress within the stated deadlines.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

As described in the bill, supporters seek a clear picture of current Holocaust education practices so States and local school systems can identify challenges and the training or resources teachers need. The bill defines Holocaust education to include improving student understanding of the Holocaust, teaching lessons to help prevent genocide and bigotry, and studying the history and modern forms of antisemitism.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.