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Bill

SB 420

Enacting the Holocaust education act to require school districts to provide instruction on Holocaust education and awareness as part of the social studies curriculum for students in grades six through 12.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cindy Holscher

Kansas would require public schools to teach Holocaust history and genocide awareness in grades 6-12 social studies classes statewide.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 420

Legislative bill overview

SB 420 mandates that Kansas school districts incorporate Holocaust education into social studies curricula for grades 6-12. The bill establishes a requirement for instruction on Holocaust history, genocide awareness, and related educational content during the standard academic year.

Why is this important

Holocaust education serves as a historical case study on authoritarianism, genocide, and human rights violations, with advocates arguing it helps prevent future atrocities through informed citizenship. Schools currently have discretion over Holocaust coverage, so this bill would create uniform, statewide expectations for age-appropriate instruction on this pivotal historical event.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum crowding: Critics may argue that mandating specific content reduces flexibility for districts to address other priorities or local history, and raises questions about what existing material gets displaced
  • Implementation costs: Requires districts to develop or acquire curriculum materials, provide teacher training, and potentially assess student learning, which carries fiscal implications
  • Content sensitivity: Disagreement may arise over age-appropriateness for grade 6 students, specific topics covered (testimony, imagery, trauma), and how to address the Holocaust without perpetuating stereotypes or unintended harm

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

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