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HB 793

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Seth Grove and 5 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania expands public school requirements to mandate more comprehensive instruction on the Holocaust, genocides, and human rights violations.

Referred to Education
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Bill Summary · HB 793

Legislative bill overview

HB 793 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to expand and strengthen requirements for teaching about the Holocaust, genocides, and human rights violations in public schools. The bill modifies existing curriculum standards to ensure more comprehensive coverage of these historical topics across the state's educational system.

Why is this important

Holocaust and genocide education serves educational goals around historical literacy and civic understanding, helping students recognize patterns of mass atrocities and their warning signs. Requirements like these influence what millions of Pennsylvania students learn about some of history's most significant moral and political failures, with potential ripple effects on how future generations understand human rights and democratic responsibilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum specificity vs. local control: Debate over whether state mandates should dictate specific Holocaust/genocide content or allow local school districts flexibility in implementation and emphasis
  • "Human rights violations" scope: The broad category of "human rights violations" could encompass contemporary or contested geopolitical events, raising questions about how to teach recent/ongoing issues objectively in K-12 settings
  • Resource and training requirements: Expanding instruction may require teacher professional development, curriculum materials, and instructional time—creating implementation costs that some districts may find burdensome

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

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