This bill mandates that school districts in Iowa incorporate age-appropriate and grade-appropriate instruction on the Holocaust into their educational programs for middle and high school students by the school year beginning July 1, 2025. The instruction must cover various topics, including the causes and ramifications of the Holocaust, the history of antisemitism, and the role of the United States in defeating the Nazi regime. Additionally, the bill requires that teachers receive professional development training on Holocaust education, which will be credited toward their individual professional development plans. School districts are encouraged to utilize resources from specified organizations to develop and implement this education.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Iowa Department of Education must submit an annual report to the governor and the general assembly detailing the number of school districts that are providing Holocaust education to students and teachers. It also clarifies that the implementation of this bill will not infringe upon any constitutional rights and will not conflict with existing discrimination laws. The financial responsibility for any state mandates included in the bill will be covered by the school districts using state school foundation aid.