Oklahoma students to learn about Holocaust under approved Senate bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate unanimously approved legislation Monday to ensure Oklahoma students are educated about the largest act of genocide in world history. Authored by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, Senate Bill 1671 would direct the State Department of Education (SDE) to develop and provide public schools with an age-appropriate Holocaust curriculum for 6^th through 12^th grade students beginning with the 2022-2023 school year.

“As the largest recorded act of genocide in history, the Holocaust provides a tragic example of the destructiveness of hate in our world. Democracy is precarious and, as a society, regardless of where we live in the world, our religion, or our beliefs, we must always be open-minded and strive to understand our fellow man and appreciate and respect our shared humanity,” Pugh said. “I’m grateful for the Senate’s support to ensure our students learn about the Holocaust. This atrocity and the millions of innocent victims who were senselessly slaughtered by Hitler’s regime will never be forgotten.”

The curricula, materials, and units would be developed in consultation with an organization whose mission is to preserve and enhance Jewish life and wellbeing. The education could be integrated into other courses and SDE would also develop professional learning opportunities for teachers covering the Holocaust.

The Holocaust was the systematic genocide of Jews and others during World War II by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. Although there are no records of the definite number of people killed, it is estimated that around six million people were killed by the Nazi regime between 1941 and 1945.

SB 1671 now goes to the House for further consideration where Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa, is carrying the measure.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Pugh: (405) 521-5622 or Adam.Pugh@oksenate.gov