Tennessee Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- State commission established in 1996, reauthorized in 1999; operates under § 4‑48‑107 to promote Holocaust education and aid schools [oai_citation:0‡law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-4/chapter-48/section-4-48-107/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Beginning with school year 2021–22, LEAs and charter schools must provide age‑appropriate instruction on the Holocaust (Grades 5, U.S. history, world history, geography)
How the Holocaust Appears in Tennessee’s Standards
- Required for all 5th graders and students in U.S. history or world history/geography courses
- Instruction must cover:
- Causes, course and effects of the Holocaust
- Ramifications of prejudice, racism, stereotyping
- The development of tolerance, diversity, and civic values
Commission Role & Resources
- The Tennessee Holocaust Commission coordinates statewide Holocaust education; catalogs curricula, classroom offerings, memorial events, and speakers
- Commission connects educators with survivors, community members, museum resources, and assists with planning instructional programs
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Use of state-curated materials, survivor testimonies, and primary-source documents
- National curricula like Echoes & Reflections and U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum resources
Teaching Notes for Tennessee Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – Commission statute (§ 4‑48‑107) and education mandate started 2021–22 |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – Age‑appropriate Holocaust instruction required Grades 5 and in history/geography courses |
| Grade Levels | 5th grade, U.S. history, world history/geography |
| Instructional Focus | History, prejudice, stereotyping, civic values |
| Commission Support | Catalogs statewide practices, speakers, curriculum options; liaises with schools |
Conclusion
Tennessee mandates Holocaust education through the Tennessee Holocaust Commission and statewide curriculum requirements. Students in 5th grade and those enrolled in history or geography courses receive instruction that deeply explores historical causes, human rights, prejudice, and civic responsibility. The Commission supports implementation by providing speakers, instructional resources, and program coordination.