The state Senate passed Holocaust education legislation sponsored by
state Sen. Elaine Phillips (R-C-Manhasset) on Thursday, in hopes of curtailing
rises in antisemitism.
The
bill, S5530, would require the State Education Commissioner to make sure
school districts teach the Holocaust in an age-appropriate way, Phillips’
office said. Findings would be detailed to the Legislature and Governor Andrew
Cuomo.
It also authorizes the State Education Commissioner to create
regulations necessary to ensure schools comply with state Holocaust education
law.
“Learning from the past helps
change the future for the better,” Phillips, the bill’s sponsor, said. “The
Holocaust is one of the worst atrocities in human history; it can never be
forgotten or allowed to happen again. Teaching students about it in a
responsible manner will reinforce the importance of preventing genocide and
condemning hate and antisemitism.”
The bill, S5530, responds to antisemitic threats and acts over the last
few months, including bomb threats against Jewish Community Centers on Long
Island and across the country.
It also came from concern over an assignment in an upstate school that
had students pretend to be Nazis either supporting or opposing the
extermination of Jews.
The legislation has been sent to the state Assembly.
