Washington Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: No (but strongly encouraged)
- RCW 28A.300.115 (2019) encourages public middle and high schools to include Holocaust instruction; topic may include other genocides and crimes against humanity [oai_citation:0‡app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.300.115&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- OSPI and the Holocaust Center for Humanity develop annual best practices and teacher guidelines; schools offering instruction must follow them
- HB 2037 (Decided 2023–24 session) would require teaching aligned with standards starting 2027–28 and mandate a stand-alone elective and April Genocide Awareness Month activities; bill advanced but not yet enacted
How the Holocaust Appears in Standards
- Schools are “strongly encouraged” (but not required) to teach about:
- The Holocaust—history, causes, moral implications
- Other genocides and crimes against humanity in global context
- Future mandate under HB 2037 would require aligned lessons and elective offerings once implemented
Implementation & Oversight
- OSPI publishes annual best-practice guidelines in partnership with Holocaust Center for Humanity
- Professional development and materials statewide via this partnership
- Under HB 2037, April would be designated International Genocide Prevention & Awareness Month with school activities
Supplemental Resources
- Teacher training provided by OSPI and the Holocaust Center for Humanity
- Curriculum guidelines include survivor testimony, documentation, reflection prompts
- Stand-alone electives are “strongly encouraged” for grades 6–12
Teaching Notes
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | No – instruction strongly encouraged under RCW 28A.300.115 |
| Included in Standards | Holocaust & genocide instruction encouraged at middle/high school level |
| Elective Courses | Strong encouragement to offer stand-alone electives in grades 6–12 |
| Curriculum Guidelines | OSPI publishes annual best practices; schools offering instruction must adhere |
| Awareness Month | If HB 2037 is enacted, April becomes International Genocide Prevention & Awareness Month |
Conclusion
Washington currently **strongly encourages** middle and high schools to teach the Holocaust along with other genocides, guided by OSPI and the Holocaust Center’s annual best-practice guidelines. While not mandatory, more than 95 % of surveyed districts have participated in professional development and curriculum adoption . The proposed **HB 2037** (2023–24) would formalize instruction aligned with state standards, require stand-alone electives, and commemorate April as Genocide Awareness Month, taking effect in the 2027–28 school year if enacted .