Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510-2805
Dear Senator:
On behalf of the 3 million members of the National Education Association (NEA), educators devoted to supporting safety and inclusion for students across America, we urge you to VOTE YES on the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act (S. 332). Votes on this issue may be included in NEA’s report card for the 119th Congress.
This bipartisan bill would direct the United States Holocaust Museum to conduct a comprehensive study on Holocaust education efforts in public schools nationwide. The study would provide a snapshot of where and how Holocaust education is reaching students, helping to ensure that it is delivered as widely and effectively as possible.
As the nation’s largest teachers’ union, we know from experience that learning about the Holocaust is a vital component of a sound civic education—one that equips young people to practice the skills of democracy, make ethical decisions, and stand up for others. We also know from experience that many young people today lack knowledge—and understanding of—the history of the Holocaust. As a result, they are ill-equipped to recognize the threats posed by normalization of antisemitism and other facets of Nazi ideology and rhetoric.
Moreover, some influential figures in our society today are normalizing Nazi ideology and rhetoric. There has been a big increase in antisemitic incidents and growing use of swastikas and other Nazi symbols. These trends deeply trouble Jewish students and sow division, hatred, and mistrust throughout the entire student population. Such sentiments destroy the social fabric that allows children to learn and thrive free of bigotry, harassment, and discrimination.
NEA stands squarely against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Nazi ideology. The Holocaust is a chilling reminder of the tragic consequences of allowing hate to grow, spread, and fester. It is also a lesson in how prejudices move from the margins to the mainstream—evolving from attitudes to laws to government-sanctioned violence and atrocities.
For all these reasons, we urge you to VOTE YES on the HEAL Act.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Johnson Trinca
Director of Government Relations
National Education Association
