NY students would learn how 9/11 contributed to 'xenophobia' under proposed law

ALBANY, N.Y. (CITC) — A Democrat-led bill in New York State would require K-12 students to learn how the 9/11 attacks "contributed" to "xenophobia" in the U.S.

Asm. Catalina Cruz. D-Elmhurst, introduced the bill in December. Under the legislation, the state education commissioner would be required to create 9/11 "awareness curriculum or instruction" for all school districts, with the ability to cater the instruction to each individual district's needs.

The curriculums must be "age-appropriate" and contain various "themes," including how the attacks contributed to "Islamophobia and xenophobia" in politics, domestic and foreign policy, media and "general public attitudes," according to the bill's text. Additionally, students would learn how an "increase in hate crimes and discrimination" followed the attacks.

"Schools may include the curriculum or instruction required by this section as a component of its social studies curriculum or in any other manner the school deems appropriate," the legislation reads.

The bill currently sits in the New York State Assembly's education committee. Crisis in the Classroom (CITC) reached out to Asm. Cruz's office to learn whether a committee hearing has been scheduled for the legislation, but has not heard back.

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New York State public schools are currently required to hold a moment of silence annually on Sept. 11. The law, signed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019, is designed to "encourage dialogue and education in the classroom" on the state's response to the attacks.

Asm. Stacey Pheffer Amato, D-South Queens, one of the law's sponsors, said at the time the measure will help ensure the "deep impact" of 9/11 on New York State is never forgotten.

"As no student currently in K-12 was alive during the attack, it is imperative that our public education system take the time to educate students on both the loss and heroism experienced on Sept. 11," Asm. Amato said. "By mandating a brief moment of silent reflection every year on September 11th, we ensure that future generations will better understand this day and its place in our history."

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In September, eight members of Congress, including seven from New York, introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for all 50 states to mandate discussion of the 9/11 attacks in their schools. Only 14 states currently require such instruction, according to the resolution.

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