Mandate Legislation

RE: N.J.S.A. 18A:35-28, Holocaust/Genocide Education

The New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education has received a number of inquiries from educators on whether or not school districts and charter schools must include instruction on the Holocaust and genocides in elementary and secondary education.

As a reminder, in 1994 the legislature voted unanimously in favor of an act requiring education on the Holocaust and genocide in elementary and secondary education and it subsequently signed into law by Governor Whitman. The law indicates that issues of bias, prejudice and bigotry, including bullying through the teaching of the Holocaust and genocide, shall be included for all children from K-12th grade. Because this is a law and in Statute any changes in standards would not impact the requirement of education on this topic in all New Jersey public schools.

This Statute remains current and must be incorporated when developing new or revised curriculum. A review of the English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical subjects suggests that it can be used as a framework in developing a well articulated multi-disciplinary K-12 Holocaust/genocide program of study.

For recommendations of incorporating Holocaust and genocide education into grades K – 12 curriculum, the Commission encourages educators to use the study guides available on the Commission website at, New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education - Curriculum. Please do not hesitate to contact the Commission at holocaus@doe.nj.gov if you need more information on the law or additional resources.