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By rdnewsNOW Staff

EDUCATING ABOUT PREJUDICE

Government of Alberta introduces antisemitism teachings to junior high social studies

Jan 29, 2025 | 1:33 PM

In an effort to make sure all students, including those from the Jewish community, feel safe, welcome and cared for in classrooms, the Government of Alberta will begin to ensure that the new draft Grades 7 to 9 social studies curriculum will teach students about the prejudice that groups face.

As a part of the curriculum development, Alberta officials say the province engaged “extensively” with education partners and Jewish organizations over 2023-24 to inform the development of the curriculum. Later this winter, additional engagement is expected, to ensure that inclusion of the content will enable students to take a stand against rising antisemitism.

“I firmly believe we must do everything possible to combat rising antisemitism and educate young Albertans about the realities of antisemitism. Ensuring all students learn about the injustices faced by those who historically were, and continue to be, marginalized, or who have experienced discrimination will help us confront hate and build stronger communities,” said Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides.

Including antisemitism is intended to build upon the Alberta government’s efforts to have students learn about injustices faced by those who historically were, and continue to be, marginalized or have experienced discrimination.

In November 2023, the provincial government made Holocaust education a mandatory component of social studies curriculum and the newly developed draft Kindergarten to Grade 6 social studies curriculum also includes content on antisemitism.

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Alberta government representatives say Alberta Education will continue engaging with the Calgary Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Edmonton and other Jewish organizations as work on the draft social studies curriculum continues. They add that feedback from these organizations will be used in the decision-making process about when and where students learn about antisemitism in junior high.