Golden State Today

The Governor's Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education, established by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021, has released a report titled “Holocaust and Genocide Education in California: A Study of Statewide Context and Local Implementation.” This initiative was a response to an increase in antisemitic incidents, with the aim of improving educational resources about the Holocaust and other genocides for students across the state.

Governor Newsom expressed his commitment to combat hate through education. "In California, hate is unacceptable," he stated. He emphasized the importance of this report in maintaining California as a model for tolerance and empathy.

The council is co-chaired by State Senator Henry Stern, Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and Dr. Anita Friedman from Jewish Family and Children’s Services/Northern California. Dr. Friedman noted that "California leads the nation in support for state-of-the-art Holocaust and Genocide Education."

State Senator Stern remarked on the importance of remembrance: “We reaffirm the plea to ‘Never Forget.’ Understanding genocide patterns worldwide fosters empathy and combats hate." Attorney General Bonta reiterated that there is no place for hate in California, emphasizing education as a tool against repeating past atrocities.

Superintendent Thurmond stressed the role of schools in creating safe environments where every child belongs. He acknowledged nearly 100 school leaders committed to ending hate through education.

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom praised the council's work: "This education equips young people with tools to recognize and respond to antisemitism." She highlighted the importance of fostering love, tolerance, and understanding among youth.

The study found disparities in Holocaust education across districts, with successes often depending on individual educators' efforts. Respondents called for more state-level support to achieve equitable education statewide. The study identified gaps such as lack of professional development focused on Holocaust education within many Local Educational Agencies (LEAs).

To address these issues, ten recommendations were made including revising content standards, increasing funding for education programs, expanding professional learning opportunities, and enhancing curriculum resources.

Governor Newsom has prioritized eradicating discrimination through collaborations with legislative bodies like the Jewish Caucus. Efforts have secured substantial funding to develop educational resources about past genocides.