CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Lawmakers are considering changing middle school and high school curriculum to stop hate speech, hate crimes, and potentially prevent future mass shootings.
- Charlotte rabbis believe Holocaust education can curb racism and xenophobia
- The NC House of Representatives passed a bill that would requre curriculum on the Holocaust in classes like English and social studies for middle and high schools
- Hate crimes in Charlotte were up more than 50% between 2013 and 2017
This week, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill that would require the state board of education to include curriculum on the Holocaust in classes like English and social studies for middle and high schools; as well as create a Holocaust studies elective.
Charlotte rabbis believe Holocaust education can curb racism and xenophobia that leads to hate crimes and genocide.
“When we say, ‘never again’ about the Holocaust we mean never again to us, and never again to anyone else, if we can prevent it,” Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel of Charlotte Murray Ezring said.
According to a recent Spectrum News investigation, hate crimes in Charlotte were up more than 50% between 2013 and 2017. The largest jump, by percentage, has been against Jews.
Additionally, a report from the Pew Research Center says 64% of Americans say Jews face some type of discrimination.