SJ0068 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, As a means of memorializing the victims and the survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides that have occurred throughout history, the Illinois General Assembly joins institutions around the world in recognizing April as Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month; and

WHEREAS, The goal of Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month is to educate the public about the history of previous and contemporary genocides, the dangers of unchallenged hate and indifference, and the need to encourage citizen engagement through advocacy and action against future genocides; and

WHEREAS, Many of these genocides have stemmed from events that occurred in the month of April, or have defining moments at that time of year, including Armenia, the Holocaust, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Darfur; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Study Mandate was adopted so that every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum, a unit of instruction studying the events of the Nazi atrocities of 1933 to 1945, and an additional unit of instruction studying other acts of genocide across the globe; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, the Illinois Legislature passed the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission Act, which created the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission; the commission is dedicated to promoting and providing guidance on Holocaust and genocide education and commemoration across the State; and

WHEREAS, Many Illinois residents have endured acts of genocide and atrocities in their countries of origin; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly condemns and desires to combat all acts of genocide and atrocities; and

WHEREAS, Educating the public about the evils of genocide and commemorating victims of genocide, including the adoption of a Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month, are effective tools that will further these goals; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate April 2014 as Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month.