Today the House of Representatives overwhelming passed the H.R. 943 - Never Again Education Act to support Holocaust education across the country. This vote comes as the world recognizes International Holocaust Remembrance Day; this year marks the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
“As we recommit ourselves to the promise of ‘Never Again’ on this 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, I am reminded that the lessons of the Holocaust do not just apply to antisemitism – but to all forms of hate and bigotry and I can think of no better way to honor the memories of those murdered than to make sure our students know their names and their stories,” said Rep. Maloney (D-NY). “If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. I urge the Senate to act quickly on this bill.”
“I am proud to co-lead this critical bipartisan legislation through its passage in the House,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), lead cosponsor of H.R. 943. “Today, on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the House reaffirmed its commitment to remembrance by passing this bill to ensure the next generation of students understand the dangers of rising anti-Semitism and recognize that it must never be forgotten. As we continue to condemn horrific acts of anti-Semitism across the world, we must also take proactive measures to educate and provide states and schools with the resources necessary to incorporate Holocaust education into their classrooms, ensuring that all students understand the evils of Holocaust and its impact. I am honored to co-lead this important legislation, and I applaud my colleagues in the House for its bipartisan passage.”
“With a dramatic increase in antisemitism in the United States and around the world, we must educate our youth about the Holocaust so that we never forget or let history repeat itself,” said Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), lead cosponsor of H.R. 943. “Anti-Semitism has no place in the world. The Never Again Education Act will provide the fundamental resources, education, and training for teachers and students and will encourage us to live in a world that respects religion, race, and human life. May we never forget the millions of innocent lives lost during this dark chapter of human history, today and every day, for generations to come.”
"Seventy-five years after the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of World War II, it is imperative as ever that we never forget Holocaust victims, survivors and the cruel atrocities that made up one of the darkest points in our world history," said Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA), lead cosponsor of H.R. 943."The Never Again Education Act helps ensure that students will always know the human toll that this time brought. I hope that it also helps them see that we must fight back against hate, discrimination, suffering and antisemitism wherever we see it. Today and always, we must remember."
Background
H.R. 943 Bill Summary
Expands the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s education programming to teachers across the country, requiring the Museum to develop and disseminate accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to improve awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and educate individuals on the lessons of the Holocaust as a means to promote the importance of preventing genocide, hate, and bigotry against any group of people.
Funding will support and expand a centralized website maintained by the Holocaust Museum where educators can find curriculum materials. Funding through this bill may also be used to support teachers in bringing the lessons of the Holocaust into their classrooms in other ways, including developing, disseminating, and implementing principles of sound pedagogy, increasing engagement with state and local education leaders to encourage the adoption of these resources, and evaluating and assessing the effectiveness and impact of Holocaust education programs.
Funding may also be used to support an expansion of the Museum’s professional development programs, through activities such as local, regional, and national workshops, teacher trainings with Holocaust education centers and other partners, and engagement with local educational agencies and schools.
Authorizes $10 million dollars over 5 years to go to these activities.