Michigan Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required under Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 380.1168 (Public Act 170 of 2016)
- Mandates age‑ and grade‑appropriate instruction about genocide—including the Holocaust and Armenian Genocide—for grades 8–12
- Recommends a total of at least six instructional hours on genocides during grades 8–12
How the Holocaust Appears in Michigan’s Standards
Grades 8–12 (Social Studies & Cross‑Curriculum)
- Curriculum must include at least six hours of Holocaust and genocide instruction, which may be spread across courses or disciplines
- Instruction may occur in World History & Geography, U.S. History, and even English classes (e.g., students reading *Night*)
- The law created a Governor’s Council on Genocide & Holocaust Education to advise, promote, and support curricular implementation and statewide resources
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Resources identified by the Governor’s Council on Genocide & Holocaust Education
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and Echoes & Reflections curricula
- Survivor testimony videos, primary sources, historical literature (e.g., *Night*)
Teaching Notes for Michigan Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – MCL 380.1168 (PA 170, 2016) |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – grades 8–12 |
| Instructional Time | At least six hours of Holocaust/genocide education |
| Instructional Flexibility | Medium – lessons may be integrated across subjects and grade levels |
| Professional Development | Supported via Governor’s Council and state-recommended resources |
Conclusion
Michigan law requires that school districts teach Holocaust and genocide topics for students in grades 8–12, with a minimum of six instructional hours. Educators have flexibility to integrate lessons across social studies and humanities courses, supported by guidance from the Governor’s Council, national curricula, and primary source materials including survivor testimony and historical literature.