South Dakota Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes (effective since 2021–22)
- State law requires “Holocaust education shall be taught in all public schools” beginning with the 2021–22 school year [oai_citation:0‡standwithus.com](https://www.standwithus.com/post/south-dakota-s-gov-noem-signs-the-ihra-working-definition-of-antisemitism-into-law?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- HB 1076 (2024) defines “antisemitism” under IHRA standards—but it does **not** directly prescribe educational content
How the Holocaust Appears in South Dakota’s Standards
- Holocaust instruction is a **required unit** in public school curricula, though districts determine grade placement and classroom approach
- Social Studies Standards allow Holocaust content to be embedded within WWII history, genocide studies, civic awareness, etc.
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Primary sources and survivor testimony, like multimedia and written accounts
- National curricula (Echoes & Reflections; U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum)
- Regional human rights and genocide studies resources (e.g., University of South Dakota offerings)
Teaching Notes for South Dakota Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes—Holocaust unit required from 2021–22 |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes—districts choose where and how to teach |
| Grade Levels | Determined locally; unassigned statewide |
| Instructional Flexibility | High—curricular placement is locally controlled |
| Antisemitism Definition | IHRA definition adopted for discrimination law (HB 1076, 2024) |
| Professional Development | Not specified; districts rely on external curricula and local training |
Conclusion
Since the 2021–22 school year, South Dakota law mandates a Holocaust education unit in all public schools, though districts determine how and when it’s taught. While a 2024 law adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism bolsters legal clarity around discrimination, it doesn’t directly shape curriculum. Educators are encouraged to leverage national and regional resources—including survivor testimony and university materials—to enrich Holocaust and genocide instruction.