LEGISLATION

Legislation recommending genocide education:

Bill number: 2000 - H 7397
Title: Genocide and Human Rights Education
Date: February 3, 2000
Sponsored by: Representative Aram G. Garabedian
Legislation:
SECTION 1. Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws entitled “Curriculum” is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
16-22-22. Genocide and Human Rights Education. — The department of elementary and secondary education shall, pursuant to rules promulgated by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, develop curricular material on genocide and human rights issues and guidelines for the teaching of such material. Said material and guidelines shall include but not be limited to: the period of the transatlantic slave trades and the middle passage; the great hunger period in Ireland; the Armenian Genocide; the Holocaust; and the Mussolini Fascist Regime and other recognized human rights violations. In formulating this program the department shall consult with practicing teachers, principals, superintendents and experts knowledgeable in Genocide and human rights issues.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

FULL TEXT

_________________________

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Rhode Island Grade Span Expectations for Government & Civics and Historical Perspectives (Draft April 2007):
G&C 5 (5-6) -3 Students demonstrate an understanding of how the choices we make impact and are impacted by an interconnected world by…
b) Students demonstrate an understanding of how the choices we make impact and are impacted by an interconnected world by explaining how actions taken or not taken impact societies (e.g., natural disasters, incidences of social injustice or genocide).

These standards are mandatory in Rhode Island.
_________________________

STATE RESOURCES

Holocaust Education and Resource Center at the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial Museum
401 Elmgrove Avenue
Providence, RI 02906
Phone: 401.453.7860
URL: http://www.hercri.org/
Contact: May-Ronny Zeidman, Administrator
E-mail: mzeidman@hercri.org

The mission of the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial Museum is to honor the memory of the victims and to pay tribute to the survivors, rescuers, liberators, and witnesses of the Holocaust. The Museum teaches the painful lessons learned from racism, bigotry, and genocide to the next generation in order to promote tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect.

_________________________

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
225 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401.222.4600
URL: http://www.ride.ri.gov