SACRAMENTO–The California State Senate on June 28 passed a resolution by Assemblymember Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) calling for more teaching on the subject of genocide.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 22–introduced by Assemblymember Frommer–calls for public schools to use California’s Model Curriculum for Human Rights and Genocide to teach school children about the many genocides that occurred in the 20th century–the first of which was perpetrated against the Armenian people.
"This resolution will encourage all Californians and especially our children to remember and honor the survivors of the Forgotten Genocide and other crimes against humanity," said Frommer of the legislation. "Governmen’s throughout the world must work diligently to keep this new millennium free of the hatred–bigotry–and cruelty which was at the heart of the Armenian Genocide and other crimes against humanity that marred the 20th century. We can take the first step towards tolerance through recognition and education of the occurrence of the crime of genocide."
Assemblymember Frommer renewed his call for the Government of Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide. "No society is perfect," said Frommer. "What distinguishes great societies is their ability to admit their mistakes and to learn from them. Turkey can rise above its past by recognizing that this tragedy occurred and I urge them to do so."
Assemblymember Joseph Simitian (D-Palo Alto)–chairman of the Budget Committee on Education–announced with Assemblymember Frommer on June 29 that they have secured $500,000 in the state budget for distribution of the Model Curriculum for Human Rights and Genocide to teachers throughout the state–as required by ACR 22. The budget request now awaits approval by the Governor. Urge Governor Gray Davis To Approve Funding For Armenian Genocide Curriculum Materials Through the leadership of Bay Area Assemblyman Joe Simitian–the California State Budget contains funding to print and distribute the "Model Curriculum for Human Rights and Genocide" to all K-12 schools–districts–and county offices of education in the State.
These funds will also be used to develop and distribute additional–more detailed curricular materials–such as the ANCA-WR Armenian Genocide handbook–as well as Armenian Genocide and human rights lesson plans currently under development by the ANC-San Francisco/Bay Area Chapter.
Upon the adoption of the state budget by the California legislature–it will be sent to Governor Gray Davis–who is entitled to strike individual items from the budget that do not reflect his spending priorities.
It is important that the Governor understand that this is an issue of tremendous importance to many Californians.
The Armenian National Committee is urging the Armenian community of California to contact the office of Governor Gray Davis and voice support for funding for Armenian Genocide education. California Armenian-Americans should ask him to protect state funding for the printing and distribution of the "Model Curriculum for Human Rights and Genocide" to all K-12 schools–districts–and county offices of education in the State–and to develop and distribute additional–more detailed curricular materials.
Governor Gray Davis’ contact information is below: The Honorable Gray Davis Governor of the State of California State Capitol Sacramento–CA 95814 Email: governor@governor.ca.gov Phone: (916) 445-2841 Fax: (916) 445-4633