Rhode Island Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required since 2016 under **2016‑H 7488A / S 2396A**, effective in the 2017–18 school year [oai_citation:0‡ride.ri.gov](https://ride.ri.gov/instruction-assessment/social-studies/holocaust-and-genocide-education-resources?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- State law (Title 16‑93) requires every district to include a unit on the Holocaust and genocide for all secondary students
- In 2021, legislation established a permanent **Rhode Island Holocaust & Genocide Education Commission** to oversee implementation
How the Holocaust Appears in Rhode Island’s Standards
Middle & High School (Secondary Education)
- Every district must teach at least one unit covering the Holocaust and other genocides (e.g., Armenia, Rwanda, Cambodia, Darfur) by graduation
- Curriculum may be offered in middle or high school, according to district discretion
- State Department of Education must provide curriculum materials via the Commission
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Curriculum and professional support materials from the Rhode Island Commission
- Resources from U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Echoes & Reflections
- Survivor-student sessions, primary documents, and multimedia tools
Teaching Notes for Rhode Island Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – 2016‑H7488A/S2396A; effective 2017–18 (Title 16‑93) |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – one unit on Holocaust + genocides for all secondary students |
| Grade Levels | Middle or high school, as determined by districts |
| Oversight Body | Rhode Island Holocaust & Genocide Education Commission (established 2021) |
| Implementation Support | State-provided materials and professional development |
Conclusion
Rhode Island requires all public school districts to offer at least one unit on the Holocaust and other genocides for secondary students. Legislation passed in 2016 set the mandate, and a 2021 law created a permanent Commission to oversee materials and teacher support. The Rhode Island Department of Education and the Commission provide vetted curriculum, training, and resources including survivor testimony and national materials to ensure meaningful and consistent instruction.