ARIZONA STATE SENATE

RESEARCH STAFF

JULIA PAULUS

ASSISTANT RESEARCH ANALYST

JEFFREY ONG

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926-3171

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

DATE:            May 24, 2021

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to H.B. 2282, relating to Holocaust instruction; antisemitism

Purpose

            Requires Holocaust instruction to include instruction on antisemitism based on a specified definition.

Background:

            A school district governing board (governing board) prescribes curricula that include academic standards as prescribed by the State Board of Education (SBE) for the graduation of students from high school. Governing boards must also prescribe criteria that include academic standards in at least reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, as determined by district assessment. Other criteria may include additional measures of academic achievement and attendance (A.R.S. § 15-701).

            Current SBE-adopted course of study and competency requirements include a requirement that students receive instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides at least once in either grade 7 or grade 8. Additionally, one credit of world history that includes instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides is required by the SBE for high school graduation (A.A.C. §§ R7-2-301 and R7-2-302).

            On May 26, 2016, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) defined antisemitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities (IHRA).

            There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions:

1. Directs the SBE to require that instruction about the Holocaust and its root causes include instruction on antisemitism, including both classic and contemporary manifestations, using the definition of antisemitism adopted by the IHRA on May 26, 2016.

2. Specifies that the rights protected by the Arizona Constitution or the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution are not diminished or infringed upon.

3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.