Minnesota Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required starting in the 2025–26 school year under Minnesota legislation (HF 2685 / SF 2442) [oai_citation:0‡senate.mn](https://www.senate.mn/committees/2023-2024/3120_Committee_on_Education_Policy/Holocaust-Genocide%20Education%20Bill%203-2-23.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Mandates education on the Holocaust, genocide of Indigenous Peoples, and other genocides for middle and high school students
- Establishes a working group to develop curriculum resources and implement professional development grants
How the Holocaust Appears in Minnesota’s Standards
Middle & High School (Grades 6–12)
- Students must study the Holocaust, genocide of Indigenous Peoples (e.g., Dakota, Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk), and other genocides (e.g., Armenia, Rwanda)
- Instruction must analyze connections between World War II, nationalism, fascism, antisemitism, and mass violence
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
Educators are supported with resources like:
- Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies (University of MN) materials, including podcasts and professional learning sessions
- Echoes & Reflections curriculum
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum resources
- Survivor testimony and primary source documents
Teaching Notes for Minnesota Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – HF 2685/SF 2442, effective 2025–26 |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – Grades 6–12 |
| Grade Levels | Middle & High School (Grades 6–12) |
| Instructional Flexibility | Medium – state sets topics; local curricula developed by working group |
| Professional Development | Grants and materials via working group and University of Minnesota |
Conclusion
Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, Minnesota law requires genocide education—including the Holocaust, Indigenous genocides, and other mass atrocities—for students in grades 6–12. The law establishes a working group and funding to guide curriculum creation and teacher training. This ensures thoughtful, well-supported instruction grounded in historical context, civic responsibility, and the analysis of multiple genocides and perspectives.