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Governor Gavin Newsom Announces Findings from First-Ever Study on Holocaust and Genocide Education in California 

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the findings of a significant study on Holocaust and genocide education in California, conducted by his Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education in partnership with WestEd researchers. The study highlights a pressing gap in California schools.

“In California, hate is unacceptable, and the shocking decline in awareness among young people about the Holocaust and other acts of genocide is especially alarming. I was proud to establish the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education and grateful for their work on this comprehensive report. I look forward to reviewing the Council’s recommendations and ensuring that California continues to be a beacon for tolerance, empathy, and education.”—California Governor Gavin Newsom

Although Holocaust and genocide education has been mandated statewide since 1985, only 26% of schools currently have formal programs in place—leaving 74% without this essential education. At the same time, California educators have expressed strong support for expanding Holocaust and genocide education and are calling for targeted state assistance to make it happen.

The findings are clear: 

In 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom established the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education (the Council) to assess and improve education about the Holocaust and other genocides (Holocaust and genocide education) in California schools. In response to declining youth awareness of these issues and events and to rising hate incidents, the Council was tasked with equipping California educators and students with tools to recognize and address antisemitism, racism, bigotry, and other forms of hate through education and empathy. To support this mission, the Council commissioned a comprehensive statewide study to examine the current landscape of Holocaust and genocide education implementation across local education agencies (LEAs).

“California leads the nation in support for state-of-the-art Holocaust and Genocide Education. As a result, our state is systematically creating a more unified society and a more informed, morally courageous, and socially responsible next generation. We are inspired by the enthusiastic cooperation of educators, communities, and students in this common cause.”Dr. Anita Friedman, Co-Chair, Governor’ Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education; Executive Director, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.

The California-focused analysis revealed that while the state has made significant strides, including recent legislation and funding allocations, there are opportunities to further align and amplify these efforts. An example of one of these significant strides is the creation of the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education website and digital curriculum library.

Drawing on these comprehensive findings, this report offers 10 recommendations to strengthen Holocaust and genocide education in California.

  • Communicate California’s Vision for Holocaust and Genocide Education
  • Revise the California History–Social Science Content Standards
  • Revise the History–Social Science Framework for California Public Schools
  • Update, Distribute, and Provide Guidance for the Model Curriculum for Human Rights and Genocide
  • Continue to Create a Vetted Central Clearinghouse for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Learning
  • Increase Direct Funding to Districts and Schools for Holocaust and Genocide Education
  • Expand Existing Statewide Professional Learning on Holocaust and Genocide Education
  • Monitor and Evaluate Educational Outcomes
  • Continue to Conduct Additional Research to Inform the Council’s Future Actions
  • Expand, Publicize, and Strengthen the Role of the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education