Mandatory Holocaust Education for High School Students in British Columbia
Starting next year, high school students will be mandated to study the Holocaust, as confirmed by an announcement made by Premier David Eby and the British Columbia government on Monday evening. This decision is in response to the increasing incidents of antisemitism and recent terrorist attacks in Israel within the province.
“Combatting this kind of hate begins with learning from the darkest parts of our history, so the same horrors are never repeated. That’s why we are working with the Jewish community to make sure learning about the Holocaust becomes a requirement for all high school students,” Premier Eby said.
Students will receive education about this tragic event during a program hosted at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver.
According to a Liberation75 study conducted last year, the province also highlighted that a significant portion of surveyed North American students, one-third to be exact, held the belief that the Holocaust was either exaggerated or entirely fabricated.
“The provincial government is committed to broadening the scope of the required Grade 10 social studies curriculum. This will ensure that when learning about discriminatory policies and injustices in Canada and around the world, all students in B.C. will also learn about the Holocaust,” the province said.
The mandate will be implemented in the upcoming school year, allowing ample time for consultation and collaboration with the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, the Jewish community, and educational stakeholders.
Potential enhancements to the Grade 10 social studies curriculum will be explored to better encompass the diversity and historical significance of British Columbia.
“This includes more learning on topics such as the destruction of Hogan’s Alley, Japanese internment and discrimination against other culturally diverse groups such as Muslim, East-Asian, Black and South-Asian communities,”
“Conversations with stakeholders will happen over the next year to ensure the provincial government is moving forward together with partners and communities.”
stated the province.
