Kentucky Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Under the Ann Klein & Fred Gross Holocaust Education Act (HB 128, 2018), enacted as an amendment to KRS 156.160
- Requires Holocaust and genocide instruction in all public middle and high schools [oai_citation:0‡timesofisrael.com](https://www.timesofisrael.com/holocaust-studies-made-mandatory-in-kentucky-after-push-by-catholic-teacher/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Kentucky was among the first 23 states to mandate Holocaust education; the law was unanimously passed in both state legislative chambers
How the Holocaust Appears in Kentucky’s Standards
Middle & High School (Grades 7–12)
- Every public middle and high school must include Holocaust and other genocide instruction at least once between grades 7–12
- Instruction must explore historical context, causes, UN-defined genocide criteria, survivor testimony, and moral implications
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
Kentucky educators are supported by:
- University of Kentucky–Jewish Heritage Fund Holocaust Education Initiative (UK–JHF HEI), offering teacher training and resources
- Guidelines from the Kentucky Department of Education (“Required Instruction of the Holocaust and Other Cases of Genocide”)
- Echoes & Reflections curriculum
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum materials
- Survivor testimony videos and primary source documents
Teaching Notes for Kentucky Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes — HB 128 (2018, KRS 156.160) |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes — Grades 7–12 required |
| Grade Levels | Middle school and high school (Grades 7–12) |
| Instructional Flexibility | Medium — districts choose when and how to teach the unit |
| Professional Development | Supported via UK–JHF HEI and KDE publications |
Conclusion
Kentucky law mandates that all public middle and high schools teach a unit on the Holocaust and other genocides at least once during Grades 7–12. The curriculum includes study of historical causes, UN-defined genocide criteria, survivor narratives, justice mechanisms, and ethical reflection. Support is provided through university teacher training initiatives, state department guidelines, and nationally recognized resources.