Texas Senate advances SB 735 to enhance Holocaust education statewide

The Texas Senate Committee on Education convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 735, aimed at enhancing Holocaust education in schools across the state. This bill builds on previous legislation, including Senate Bill 1828, which established a Holocaust Remembrance Week in Texas schools. The committee highlighted the importance of learning from history to prevent the repetition of past atrocities.

Senate Bill 735 proposes several key initiatives to improve Holocaust education. It seeks to allocate funding for the development of an optional, age-appropriate bilingual curriculum and to sponsor field trips to Holocaust museums. Additionally, the bill aims to create partnerships with colleges to train teachers in Holocaust education, particularly in areas with low participation in Holocaust Remembrance Week. The legislation also mandates annual reporting from school districts to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding their participation in Holocaust education.

Lisa Berry, a fifth-grade teacher with nearly three decades of experience, testified in support of the bill. She emphasized the critical need for high-quality Holocaust education, stating that it teaches students about the dangers of hatred and indifference. Berry advocated for training provided by local Holocaust museums, which she believes equips educators with the necessary tools to teach this complex subject effectively.

The committee also heard from Leslie Mette, director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, who discussed the positive impact of Holocaust education initiatives in the region. Both witnesses underscored the urgency of addressing rising antisemitism and the importance of teaching students to stand against injustice.

The discussions during the meeting reflect a commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Holocaust history among Texas students, aiming to cultivate a generation that values empathy and historical awareness. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and its potential implications for educational practices in Texas.