New Jersey Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- First state to mandate Holocaust education in 1991 under **P.L. 1991, c.193**, codified at **N.J.S.A. 18A:35‑28**
- The **New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education** was established to oversee and support implementation
- In 2023, NJ enacted **P.L. 2023, c.36 (A‑4720/S‑3145)** requiring periodic surveys of Holocaust/genocide instruction in all districts
Scope & Content Requirements
- All public elementary and secondary schools must include Holocaust and genocide instruction in the curriculum
- Instruction must enable students to analyze human behavior, understand prejudice → genocide, and confront moral dilemmas—emphasizing personal responsibility to fight hatred
- Commission‑developed resources, including guides and curriculum frameworks, are regularly issued to support districts
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Curriculum guides and materials from the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and Echoes & Reflections resources
- Survivor testimony videos and primary documents
Teaching Notes for New Jersey Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – P.L. 1991, c.193; N.J.S.A. 18A:35‑28 |
| Oversight Body | New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – K–12 Holocaust/genocide instruction |
| Instructional Requirements | Analyze prejudice → genocide, moral dilemmas, and personal responsibility |
| Monitoring | Periodic district surveys under P.L. 2023, c.36 |
| Professional Development | Commission‑provided resources and guidance |
Conclusion
New Jersey pioneered Holocaust education among U.S. states, mandating K–12 instruction in 1991 and establishing a dedicated Commission to support and monitor curriculum implementation. In 2023, the state added a requirement for regular surveys to assess the quality and consistency of instruction. Schools are guided to help students confront prejudice, moral challenges, and civic duty through structured lessons and state-issued materials, reinforced by survivor testimony and primary sources.