The history of genocide and human rights issues could be taught in middle schools and high schools in Massachusetts under a new bill from state lawmakers.  

This bill will require schools to add these subjects into middle school and high school instruction following several cases of hate crimes and acts of antisemitism throughout the country, according to the Associated Press. 

AP reports that the renewed interest in teaching this to school students comes on the heel of the firing of a local high school football coach for the use of antisemitic language. Duxbury High School “severed ties” with head coach Dave Maimaron after it was discovered his team inappropriately mentioned Auschwitz during on-field play calling. 

A bill similar to this was approved by the Massachusetts state Senate, which required high school students to have some instruction on genocide, however, it never made it onto Governor Charlie Baker’s desk. It would have also created a Genocide Education Trust Fund, which would offer support in developing teaching materials and professional development for teachers. 

This new bill has not been signed yet and there are only 10 days left for Gov. Baker to make a decision on this legislation.