Bill > SB472

This bill requires the California Department of Education to establish a Holocaust and Genocide Education Grant Program to support educational efforts in grades 7-12. The bill mandates that the Superintendent of Public Instruction create a grant program providing direct allocations to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to support Holocaust and genocide education. Grant funds can be used for various purposes, including purchasing instructional materials, hosting educational events, financing professional development for teachers, supporting teacher training, planning educational programs, and covering transportation costs for related educational opportunities. The bill also requires the department to issue a notice to local educational agencies clarifying that social science instruction should provide a foundation for understanding human rights, with particular attention to genocide, slavery, and the Holocaust. Additionally, the department is authorized to survey local educational agencies about their Holocaust and genocide instruction within two years of issuing the notice. The bill establishes a dedicated Holocaust and Genocide Education Grant Program Fund in the State Treasury and provides specific definitions for "genocide" (based on the United Nations Convention) and "Holocaust" (referencing the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's description). The goal is to ensure comprehensive, age-appropriate education about these critical historical events and human rights issues.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB472