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HF 336

A bill for an act providing for education on the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sean Bagniewski and 11 co-sponsors

Bill HF 336 mandates Holocaust education in middle and high schools by 2025, fostering understanding and tolerance among students while enhancing civic responsibility.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#curricula #education #history #schooldistricts #students #teachers
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Bill Summary · HF 336

Summary of Bill HF 336: Holocaust Education in Schools

Purpose and Intent

Bill HF 336 aims to mandate the inclusion of Holocaust education in the curricula for middle and high school students across school districts. The bill seeks to ensure that students and teachers receive comprehensive instruction on the Holocaust, its historical context, and its implications for society today. The intent is to foster understanding, tolerance, and civic responsibility among students.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several important provisions regarding the implementation of Holocaust education:

  1. Curriculum Requirements:

    • By the school year beginning July 1, 2025, all school districts must incorporate age-appropriate and grade-appropriate Holocaust instruction into their educational programs.
    • The instruction must be integrated into existing required courses and cover at least the following topics:
      • Causes and ramifications of the Holocaust.
      • History of antisemitism and the Holocaust, including the Third Reich, concentration camps, and post-World War II trials.
      • The impact of personal responsibility and civic engagement in the context of the Holocaust.
      • Connections between intolerance based on national, ethnic, racial, or religious lines and the events of the Holocaust.
      • The role of the United States and its armed forces, including contributions from African American, Native American, and Asian American soldiers, in defeating the Third Reich and liberating concentration camps.
      • Definitions, historical context, and actions taken during the Holocaust.

  2. Educational Resources:

    • School districts are encouraged to utilize resources from recognized entities such as:
      • The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
      • Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
      • The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
      • "Echoes and Reflections," a partnership of the Anti-Defamation League, Yad Vashem, and the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation.
      • Any other approved educational entities by the Department of Education.

Affected Parties

The bill will impact:
- Students: Middle and high school students will receive education on the Holocaust, enhancing their understanding of historical events and promoting tolerance.
- Teachers: Educators will be required to adapt their curricula to include Holocaust education, necessitating training and access to appropriate resources.
- School Districts: All school districts will need to implement the new requirements by the specified timeline.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Subcommittee Meeting: February 18, 2025
  • Subcommittee Recommendation: February 24, 2025

The bill is currently in the subcommittee stage, having received a recommendation for passage, indicating support for its objectives and provisions.

Conclusion

HF 336 represents a significant step toward enhancing historical education in schools by ensuring that the Holocaust is taught comprehensively. By mandating this instruction, the bill aims to promote awareness and understanding of the consequences of intolerance and the importance of civic responsibility among future generations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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