Bill aiming to require learning about Holocaust moves ahead

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A bill designed to require students to learn about acts of genocide, including the Holocaust, is moving through Maine's Legislature.

Democratic Sen. Louie Luchini said a legislative committee initially voted 5-4 Monday on the legislation, which now faces House and Senate votes.

Luchini originally proposed requiring Maine to join the less than a quarter of states that mandate Holocaust education.

The committee voted favoring an amended bill to require public and private school students to learn about genocide, including the Holocaust. Luchini said he supports Republican Rep. Justin Fecteau's proposal.

The bill was recommended by Ellsworth High School's Heidi Omlor, who teaches a Holocaust course.

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, a New York Democrat, reintroduced a bill this year that would authorize Holocaust education grants from the U.S. Department of Education.