New Jersey Governor Signs Law Requiring Holocaust Education Survey in Public Schools

Legislation underscores commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring "never again" promise is instilled in future generations.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a new law (A4720) requiring the Commissioner of Education to develop a survey, in collaboration with the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, to assess how public schools are meeting the state’s current requirement for instruction on the Holocaust and genocide. 

The survey will include questions for all grade levels and will inquire about curriculum content, learning goals, instructional strategies, and other factors. 

The results of the survey will be compiled into a report and provided to the Governor and Legislature. 

The law was signed on Holocaust Remembrance Day and emphasizes the Governor’s commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and ensuring that the lessons of history are passed on to future generations. 

The legislation aims to address a lack of awareness of genocidal events as time passes and survivors are no longer able to share their experiences.

“By taking this action today, we are honoring the memory of the six million Jews and the millions of others murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust,” said Governor Murphy. “As we witness truth being stripped from education systems in other states and antisemitism on the rise across the country, our responsibility to future generations must be to lead by example and defend the promise with which our nation was founded – equality and freedom for all. This law guarantees that our children will be prepared with the knowledge and understanding necessary to learn from the mistakes of history and build a world that is stronger and more united than ever before.”

“Given the recent spike in anti-Semitic attacks, it is imperative that we continue to modify our teaching methods to adequately convey the horrors of the Holocaust,” said Senator Greenstein. “This law is a critical first step to collecting enough data and research to properly address any discrepancies or outdated Holocaust teaching materials.”

"StandWithUs thanks Governor Murphy for signing into law Bill A4720/S3145, a significant measure aimed at improving much-needed Holocaust and genocide education in the state's public schools,” said Avi Posnick, StandWithUs Northeast Director. “StandWithUs created a Holocaust Education Center (HEC) and we hope the bill's passage and ensuing recommendations will allow us to partner with more school districts and the NJ Holocaust Commission to bring HEC's user-friendly presentations to NJ schools. Holocaust education is essential all year round so that students can understand the extreme dangers of antisemitism, racism and any form of hate, and, learn how to stand up against them."