MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Green (72nd)

AN ACT TO REQUIRE ALL PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE A COURSE OF INSTRUCTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES WITH EMPHASIS ON SLAVERY, GENOCIDE AND THE HOLOCAUST; TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURSE SHALL BE MANDATORY FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The Legislature finds, recognizes and affirms the importance of students learning to appreciate the sanctity of life and the dignity of the individual. The Legislature further finds that students must develop a respect for each person as a unique individual and understand the importance of a universal concern for ethics and human rights. Therefore, the Legislature recognizes the importance of teaching our youth ethical and moral behavior specifically relating to human rights violations and genocide issues, including slavery and the Holocaust.

(2) The State Board of Education shall require each local school district to include a course of instruction on human rights issues as a part of the curriculum of the high schools in that district. The course shall emphasize the study of slavery, genocide and the Holocaust and shall be a mandatory graduation requirement for all students.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.