GovInslee signsBillSB5612 Apr19 19 800x300

FAQs from the Holocaust Center about RCW 28A.300.115-116

Follow this link   to access the Holocaust Center's FAQ sheet to learn more about this important legislation. 

 

We did it! Governor Inslee signs Holocaust education bill!

April 19, 2019

We are so proud to announce a huge win for Holocaust education in our state. After unanimously passing the Senate and the House, Holocaust Education Bill SB5612 was signed by Governor Jay Inslee Friday, April 19! This bipartisan bill, the result of a partnership between our Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, is a significant step towards ensuring that every student in our state has access to quality Holocaust education. This bill has been codified as law in two statutes, RCW 28A.300.115 and 116. 

This new bill creates a partnership between the Holocaust Center for Humanity and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Together, we have developed best practices and guidelines for teaching about the Holocaust and genocide.

In addition, our Center has been conducting statewide professional development for educators, teaching them how to apply these new standards. At the end of 2022, the Holocaust Center will report on the effectiveness of this legislation and make recommendations for the future of Washington State Holocaust education.

In short, the law “strongly encourages” teaching lessons of the Holocaust from grades 6 and up in all public schools.  Any educator teaching about the Holocaust, however, is required to adhere to the above-referenced “best practices and guidelines.” The law explains, “In addition to this study being a reaffirmation to never again permit such occurrences, studying this material is intended to examine the ramifications of prejudice, racism, and intolerance and prepare students to be responsible citizens in a pluralistic democracy."

Contact Paul Regelbrugge (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions, requests for free Professional Development, recommendations, etc.)

Studies show that Holocaust education effectively teaches students about antisemitism, bigotry, and the consequences of indifference. At the Holocaust Center , we use Holocaust education as a powerful tool to dismantle hate and inspire action. We would be unable to do our important work without your help. 

Testimonies to Senate Early Learning K-12 Education Committee (video)

Testimony from Teacher Paul Regelbrugge (pdf)

 

Studies on the impact of Holocaust education:

Echoes and Reflections - US College Survey (2020)

Claims Conference Study - Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness 2018

IHRA Research in Teaching and Learning about the Holocaust 2017

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Professional Development for Interdisciplinary Civic Education: Impacts on Humanities Teachers and their Students 2015

How Does Education about the Holocaust Advance Global Citizenship Education? UNESCO, 2018