Washington State Standards

  • 0

Washington Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary

Legal Status

  • Mandated by law: No (but strongly encouraged)
  • RCW 28A.300.115 (2019) encourages public middle and high schools to include Holocaust instruction; topic may include other genocides and crimes against humanity [oai_citation:0‡app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.300.115&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
  • OSPI and the Holocaust Center for Humanity develop annual best practices and teacher guidelines; schools offering instruction must follow them
  • HB 2037 (Decided 2023–24 session) would require teaching aligned with standards starting 2027–28 and mandate a stand-alone elective and April Genocide Awareness Month activities; bill advanced but not yet enacted

How the Holocaust Appears in Standards

  • Schools are “strongly encouraged” (but not required) to teach about:
    • The Holocaust—history, causes, moral implications
    • Other genocides and crimes against humanity in global context
  • Future mandate under HB 2037 would require aligned lessons and elective offerings once implemented

Implementation & Oversight

  • OSPI publishes annual best-practice guidelines in partnership with Holocaust Center for Humanity
  • Professional development and materials statewide via this partnership
  • Under HB 2037, April would be designated International Genocide Prevention & Awareness Month with school activities

Supplemental Resources

  • Teacher training provided by OSPI and the Holocaust Center for Humanity
  • Curriculum guidelines include survivor testimony, documentation, reflection prompts
  • Stand-alone electives are “strongly encouraged” for grades 6–12

Teaching Notes

AreaGuidance
Mandated by LawNo – instruction strongly encouraged under RCW 28A.300.115
Included in StandardsHolocaust & genocide instruction encouraged at middle/high school level
Elective CoursesStrong encouragement to offer stand-alone electives in grades 6–12
Curriculum GuidelinesOSPI publishes annual best practices; schools offering instruction must adhere
Awareness MonthIf HB 2037 is enacted, April becomes International Genocide Prevention & Awareness Month

Conclusion

Washington currently **strongly encourages** middle and high schools to teach the Holocaust along with other genocides, guided by OSPI and the Holocaust Center’s annual best-practice guidelines. While not mandatory, more than 95 % of surveyed districts have participated in professional development and curriculum adoption . The proposed **HB 2037** (2023–24) would formalize instruction aligned with state standards, require stand-alone electives, and commemorate April as Genocide Awareness Month, taking effect in the 2027–28 school year if enacted .

Select a State below, to check the Holocaust educational standards:

Leslie Benitah is a journalist, filmmaker, and third-generation Holocaust survivor dedicated to preserving memory and com- bating historical denial through storytelling. Holding a PhD in Journalism from the Sorbonne, she began her career as a journalist, later becoming editor-in-chief, and eventually serving as Executive Producer for TF1, France’s leading network, where she helped shape primetime content for millions of viewers.

After moving to Miami in 2006, she ran a major French- language publication before returning to film, directing critically acclaimed documentaries and collaborating with top production companies for over 20 years.

Driven by activism and education, Leslie co-founded The Last Ones—a groundbreaking documentary series that has amassed millions of views across social media and is used as an official educational tool in schools worldwide. Featuring over 150 survivor testimonies filmed across multiple continents, The Last Ones bridges past and present, ensuring younger generations remain engaged with Holocaust history. Leslie frequently speaks in schools, advocating for education as the most powerful tool against misinformation and hate.