Providing for education on the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts

This bill requires each school board to incorporate age-appropriate and grade-appropriate instruction regarding the holocaust for students in middle and high school into the school district’s educational program. Such instruction shall be incorporated into existing required courses. The bill specifies the content of such instruction. School districts shall utilize appropriate public or private materials, personnel, and other resources in developing and implementing education on the holocaust. The bill requires each school board to incorporate education on the holocaust for teachers into the school district professional development plan for teachers who provide instruction in courses into which student instruction in accordance with the bill is incorporated. Such training shall cover the topics specified by the bill. School districts shall utilize appropriate programs provided by an organization, as specified in the bill, for such training. Education on the holocaust provided to teachers shall be credited toward a teacher’s individual professional development plan. A school board shall carry out the requirements for education on the holocaust for students and teachers no later than the school year beginning July 1, 2024. The bill requires the department of education to submit an annual report to the governor and the general assembly addressing the number of school districts offering education on the holocaust to students and teachers in accordance with the bill. The bill shall not be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the Constitution of the State of Iowa or the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The bill shall not be construed to conflict with any local, state, or federal law relating to discrimination.3.16.2. The inclusion of this specification is intended to reinstate the requirement of political subdivisions to comply with any state mandates included in the bill.