Lower Bucks Today

HARRISBURG- Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) has introduced legislation that would require schools to make their Holocaust and genocide curriculum available online for parents to review. The bill, known as House Bill 1986, was introduced on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, when the Pennsylvania Capitol was lit up in yellow to commemorate the occasion.

In a statement, Marcell emphasized the importance of Holocaust education in shaping a more just and tolerant society. She stated, "Teaching about the Holocaust is not just about learning history; it is about safeguarding democratic values and promoting a more just and tolerant society."

Marcell's bill aims to address the lack of transparency in how the Holocaust is taught in schools. She explained, "In Pennsylvania, there is currently no standardized, simple and user-friendly way for parents to review the curriculum to see how the Holocaust is taught to their children."

Under the proposed legislation, any school offering Holocaust instruction would be required to make the curriculum available on its website. The Department of Education would also be obligated to post the curriculum guidelines on its website.

Marcell's bill is part of a broader effort to counter antisemitism. Rep. Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) has sponsored legislation that would require institutions of higher education receiving state taxpayer support to recognize antisemitism and calls for the genocide of the Jewish people as bullying, harassment, and intimidation. Additionally, Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks) introduced a resolution declaring November 9, 2024, as Antisemitism Awareness and Education Day in Pennsylvania.

The introduction of Marcell's bill has been welcomed by advocacy groups, including 3GPhilly, a group for the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. The group had requested the Pennsylvania Capitol to be lit up in yellow to raise awareness for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

"As the Capitol is lit up for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we are reminded of the importance of Holocaust education across the Commonwealth," Marcell stated. "It's the job of parents and those of us in the Legislature to make sure those lessons are being taught without prejudice and propaganda."

With this legislation, Marcell aims to ensure that parents have access to the curriculum being taught to their children. By promoting transparency and accountability, the bill seeks to foster an environment where Holocaust education is comprehensive, unbiased, and accurate.

For more information about the bill, please visit RepMarcell.com or Facebook.com/RepMarcell.

Media Contact: David Foster

Phone: 267-207-0207

Email: dfoster@pahousegop.com