A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to integrate education on the holocaust and genocide into the standard course of study.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  This act shall be known as the "Gizella Abramson Holocaust Education Act."
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly finds that knowledge of the Holocaust is essential to provide students with the fundamental understanding of geography, history, and political systems necessary to make informed choices on issues that affect individuals, communities, states, and nations.
SECTION 3.  Part 1 of Article 8 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 115C‑81.57.  Education on the Holocaust and genocide.
(a)	The State Board of Education shall review the middle school and high school standard course of study and, in consultation and coordination with the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust and the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, shall (i) integrate into English, social studies courses, and other courses as appropriate education on the Holocaust and genocide and (ii) develop a curriculum for a Holocaust Studies elective that may be offered in middle schools and high schools of local school administrative units.
(b)	The Department of Public Instruction shall provide or cause to be provided curriculum content, and local boards of education shall provide or cause to be provided professional development to ensure that the intent and provisions of this section are effectively implemented. The North Carolina Council on the Holocaust and the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching may, in consultation with the Department of Public Instruction and local boards of education, provide curriculum content and professional development."
SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with the 2021‑2022 school year.