Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has urged schools in the state to make use of additional resources provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to enhance students' understanding of the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict. These new materials, in addition to the existing curriculum on Israel, antisemitism, genocide, and the Holocaust, will help educators and parents ensure that students have a comprehensive understanding of the current acts of war and regional violence in Israel.

In a press release, Governor Abbott expressed his support for Israel and the Jewish community, stating, "The State of Texas stands strong with Israel and our Jewish neighbors during the heinous acts of war committed by the terrorist group Hamas, and we will not allow misinformation and prejudice to undermine the support the Jewish community needs during this time of conflict."

The additional resources provided by TEA will include lessons and materials for classroom discussions, multimedia resources, and in-depth learning experiences that will help students gain an elevated understanding of the conflict in Israel. Governor Abbott expressed his gratitude to TEA and other organizations, such as the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission, for their efforts in ensuring that students are protected against false information and historical misrepresentations that promote hatred and violence.

TEA has issued correspondence to school systems across the state, providing them with additional resources and lessons. Some of these resources include support for classroom discussions on the Hamas-Israel war, information on U.S. policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, guidelines for having conscientious conversations about the conflict, and guidance on how to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.

To further support Holocaust, genocide, and antisemitism education, the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission has provided resources and guidelines for teaching students about antisemitism and the conflict in Israel. Governor Abbott has previously taken significant actions to strengthen Texas' relationship with Israel, including distributing grant funding for security enhancements to Jewish organizations, directing public safety measures across the state, and establishing the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission.

It is important to note that in 2019, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 1828, which established Holocaust Remembrance Week in Texas public schools to educate students about the Holocaust and promote the recognition and upholding of human dignity.

By providing these additional resources and lessons, Governor Abbott and TEA aim to equip Texas students with the knowledge and understanding necessary to combat ignorance, antisemitism, and bigotry. Through education and awareness, they hope to foster a future generation that values truth and inclusivity.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-tea-bolster-educational-resources-on-israeli-conflict-for-texas-students