Ohio Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Ohio Revised Code § 197.08 (enacted Dec 2020) establishes the **Holocaust & Genocide Memorial and Education Commission**, tasked with promoting Holocaust education statewide
- The Commission (15 members) disseminates resources; gathers state educational information; recommends programming; and administers grants for teachers and schools
How the Holocaust Appears in Ohio’s Standards
- The Ohio Department of Education includes Holocaust and genocide instruction examples in its Learning Standards for grades 5–12
- Commission grants support classroom implementation, field trips, survivor testimony, and educational programs through institutions like the Holocaust & Humanity Center
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Commission-funded grants for professional development and classroom resources
- Materials from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and Echoes & Reflections curriculum
- Primary sources, survivor testimony videos, and local museum partnerships (e.g., Maltz Museum)
Teaching Notes for Ohio Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – R.C. § 197.08 and related sections, effective Dec 2020 |
| Oversight Body | Holocaust & Genocide Memorial and Education Commission (15 members) |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – per Ohio Learning Standards (grades 5–12) |
| Grants & Support | Yes – Commission provides funding for teacher and school programming |
| Professional Development | Commission-sponsored opportunities and statewide partnerships |
Conclusion
Ohio law mandates Holocaust and genocide education through the creation of a dedicated Commission that both promotes resources and funds educational programs. While not specifying exact hours of instruction, the state’s Learning Standards include Holocaust-related content in grades 5–12, supported by Commission grants, field trip funding, and partnerships with local organizations and museums to foster comprehensive and locally adapted Holocaust education.