Oregon Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required under **ORS 329.494**, amended by **SB 664 (2019)**, effective July 1, 2020 [oai_citation:0‡oregon.public.law](https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_329.494?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- The Oregon State Board of Education must set academic content standards in consultation with Holocaust education organizations
- Standards enforced beginning in the 2026–27 school year, with technical assistance from the Department of Education
How the Holocaust Appears in Oregon’s Standards
All K–12 Grades
- Instruction must cover causes, immorality, diversity, human rights, genocide definition, and restorative justice
- Students should reflect on roles of bystander, victim, perpetrator, rescuer; analyze prejudice and civic responsibility
- Instruction also includes examining discrimination in Oregon’s own history
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Resources from Oregon Department of Education, including SB 664 grade-level guidance
- Curriculum support from the Oregon Jewish Museum & Center for Holocaust Education
- National materials like Echoes & Reflections and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Survivor testimony videos, historical documents, and classroom reflection guides
Teaching Notes for Oregon Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – ORS 329.494 and SB 664 (2019) |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – Grades K–12 |
| Instruction Timeline | Standards in place by 2026–27; pilot from 2020–21 |
| Instructional Focus | Historical causes, moral/ethical reflection, civic responsibility |
| Professional Support | ODE technical assistance, museum partnerships, grade-level guides |
Conclusion
Oregon mandates comprehensive Holocaust and genocide education across Grades K–12. Beginning in 2020–21, districts began integrating lessons using SB 664 guidance, with formal academic standards enforced beginning 2026–27. Teaching covers history, morality, civic duty, and Oregon-specific discrimination, supported by ODE guidance, museum partnerships, and national teaching materials. Educators are encouraged to use survivor testimony, primary sources, and structured reflection to ensure impactful learning.