Our History
In 2022, citizen advocates reached out to several Oklahoma legislators to present a bill that would allow the lessons of the Holocaust to be taught to students grades 6-12, and to protect the right of teachers to teach it.
The resulting bill focused on providing supports for teachers, rather than create new mandates. Senate Bill 1671 passed 84-7 in the Oklahoma House and 42-0 in the Oklahoma Senate. It was signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt, May 16, 2022.
A Coalition was formed to work with the Oklahoma State Department of Education and curriculum experts to develop curriculum supports and organize annual Teacher Conferences throughout the state, focusing on Holocaust education.
The curriculum focuses on the history of World War II Holocaust, not simply as Jewish history, but as a means to fight hate, develop respect and protect democracy in our society. Concerned citizens and legislators remain dedicated to this work.
Our Mission
The SB1671 Oklahoma Holocaust Legislation Coalition is established to:
- Fight hate
- Respect diversity
- Protect Democracy
- Teach these values to future generations through the study of the Holocaust.
The Oklahoma Holocaust Legislation Coalition was established to provide Oklahoma public school teachers with the necessary resources for teaching about the Holocaust. We believe it is crucial to have a diverse group of leaders throughout the state to endorse and support this important educational initiative.
Our ultimate roots are in our common humanity.
Our 2024 Advisory & Coalition Committees
Senate Bill 1671 Oklahoma Holocaust Advisory Committee
Tom Adelson, former Oklahoma State Senator
Carol Bush, former Oklahoma State Representative
Jo Anna Dossett, Oklahoma State Senator
Jono Helmerich, Business Dev Executive, MidFirst Bank
Hannibal Johnson, Attorney, Author, Scholar
Frank Keating, former Governor of Oklahoma
Judy Zarrow Kishner, President, Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
Daniel Pae, Oklahoma State Senator
Adam Pugh, Oklahoma State Senator, Chair of the Education Committee
Rodger Randle, Chair of SB1671 Advisory Committee, former Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Ross Swimmer, former Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation, former U.S Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs
Senate Bill 1671 Oklahoma Holocaust Legislation Coalition
Dancey Apple
Phil Armstrong
Alice Blue
Carol Bush
Brenda Chapman
Jeff Darby
Nancy Day
Drew Diamond
Jo Anna Dossett
Janet Dundee
Lori Frank
Barbara Gardner
Rachel Johnson
Michael Kornblit
Roxanna Lorton
Bob MacCormack
Brina Reinstein
Jolene Sanditen
Charlotte Schuman (President)
Barbara Sylvan
Wendy Thomas
Barbara Winder
Nancy Wolov
John Waldron, Administrative Consultant
Nancy Pettus, Professional Development Consultant
