SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL TO BE "HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates April as Holocaust and Genocide Awareness Month to encourage educators to include related lessons and deepen students’ understanding.

04/16/2026 Senate read and passed

1) Purpose and Intent

Declares April as “Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month” in the State of Rhode Island.

Builds on Rhode Island’s existing commitment to Holocaust and genocide education, including:

Legislation (2016) requiring Holocaust and genocide education in secondary public schools.
Creation of the RI Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission to oversee implementation in secondary schools.

Reinforces the state’s ongoing emphasis on “Never Again” and the importance of educating youth about past and present genocides and the consequences of bigotry and hatred.

2) Key Provisions

Proclamation: The Rhode Island Senate proclaims April as Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month.

Educational Call to Action: Strongly encourages history and social science educators in Rhode Island to incorporate lessons on past and current genocides into their curricula and classroom discussions.

Goals: Promote increased student understanding of genocide atrocities, foster insight, and encourage a commitment to eradicating bigotry, prejudice, brutality, and injustice.

Official Transmission: Directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:

Angélica Infante-Green, Commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Rhode Island Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission

3) Who/What is Affected

Primary beneficiaries: Rhode Island students and educators, particularly in secondary schools, through enhanced emphasis on Holocaust and genocide education.

Educational Agencies: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Rhode Island Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission.

The broader public: By promoting awareness and understanding of genocides, aiming to reduce prejudice and bigotry within Rhode Island communities.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Type: Senate resolution (non-binding, ceremonial/acknowledgment).

Effective Date: Not applicable as a resolution; takes effect upon adoption.

Adoption Status: Recommended for Immediate Consideration and passed the Senate on April 16, 2026.

Next Steps: Certification and transmission to relevant state officials as indicated.

5) Context and Implications

Aligns with Rhode Island’s established framework for Holocaust and genocide education and oversight.

Serves as an annual commemorative and educational prompt to strengthen instruction and discussion about genocides, human rights, and the harms of discrimination.

May influence school districts and teachers to integrate or expand curriculum content related to Holocaust and genocide studies during April and beyond.

6) Notable Details

Co-sponsors include multiple senators (Felag, Kallman, Zurier, LaMountain, McKenney, Tikoian, Appollonio, DiPalma, Lawson, Murray).

The resolution explicitly authorizes official copies to be sent to DESE Commissioner Infante-Green and the RI Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission.

Overall, SR 3221 is a ceremonial resolution aimed at formally recognizing April as Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month in Rhode Island and encouraging educators to incorporate related educational content to deepen students’ understanding and commitment to preventing future atrocities.

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