New Mexico Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes (pending)
- Introduced via the **Holocaust & Genocide Studies Act (HB 111, 2023)**
- Proposes required, age-appropriate Holocaust and genocide instruction for grades 7–12 beginning in 2023‑24, and a required elective for high school students in 2024‑25 [oai_citation:0‡fastdemocracy.com](https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/nm/2023/bills/NMB00008938/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Creates a **Holocaust & Genocide Studies Council** to set standards, recommend curriculum, and support professional development
How the Holocaust Appears in New Mexico’s Standards
Middle & High School (Grades 7–12)
- School districts and charters must provide Holocaust/genocide instruction in an age-appropriate way for grades 7–12
- Beginning 2024‑25, school districts must offer a Holocaust & genocide elective in high school
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Professional development provided by the newly created Council
- Instructional materials aligned with the new NM Social Studies Standards (rolled out in 2023‑24)
- Resources from institutions such as the New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum
- Echoes & Reflections curriculum, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum materials, and survivor testimony
Teaching Notes for New Mexico Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes (pending HB 111 enactment) |
| Included in Curriculum | Grades 7–12 with elective in high school |
| Implementation Timeline | Instruction required in 2023‑24; elective in 2024‑25 |
| Instructional Flexibility | Council develops standards; districts apply locally |
| Professional Development | Required per law, led by Council and PED |
Conclusion
New Mexico is set to require Holocaust and genocide education for students in grades 7–12 via HB 111 once enacted. The law establishes a Standards Council and mandates both required instruction and a high school elective. Educators will be supported through professional development and classroom materials aligned with updated social studies standards, including resources from the New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum and national curricula.