Bill > S08959

This bill amends the education law to require that all public elementary and high schools in New York State include a unit of instruction studying the Irish Potato Famine, which caused mass starvation in Ireland from 1845 to 1850, as part of their curriculum. This addition is made to existing requirements for courses on patriotism, citizenship, civic education, diversity, religious tolerance, and human rights issues, which already include the study of genocide, slavery, and the Holocaust. The bill also clarifies that the regents of The University of the State of New York will determine the specific content of these courses, including the Irish Potato Famine, in accordance with a new section of law, and that the commissioner of education is responsible for enforcing these requirements, with the possibility of withholding school funds for non-compliance.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8959