Holocaust Museum director advocates for Senate Bill 735 to enhance education

The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding Holocaust education in Texas schools. The meeting featured testimony from Leslie Met, the director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, who advocated for Senate Bill 735, aimed at enhancing Holocaust education statewide.

Met highlighted alarming findings from a 2021 study authorized by the Texas legislature, which revealed that many schools provide minimal to no Holocaust education. This educational gap is particularly concerning given the rising antisemitism, posing risks not only to Jewish communities but also to the foundational principles of the public education system.

During her testimony, Met emphasized the need for professional development for teachers and administrators, noting that many educators feel unprepared to teach this sensitive subject. She argued that Holocaust education should go beyond mere facts and figures, requiring thoughtful instruction that fosters empathy and critical thinking.

Met urged the committee to invest in Holocaust education through pilot programs at institutes of higher learning and to establish partnerships between Holocaust museums and educational service centers. She called for accountability measures to ensure schools report on their Holocaust instruction, advocating that no student should graduate without a fundamental understanding of this history and its lessons.

Senator Menendez expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts in Holocaust education, acknowledging the positive impact on children in San Antonio and the community at large. He, along with Senator Campbell, expressed support for the bill and the hope of its passage to further enhance Holocaust education in Texas.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the importance of addressing educational gaps in Holocaust history, particularly in a climate where understanding and combating antisemitism is increasingly vital. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of Holocaust education in Texas schools.