Board approves revised social studies standards with additions naming antisemitism

The State Board of Education voted Jan. 14 to approve revised Iowa academic standards in social studies with two clarifying additions recommended by the state’s Antisemitism Task Force.

Stephanie Wagner, administrative consultant in the Bureau of Rights and Learner Supports, said the additions are not new numbered standards but clarifying examples placed in the far‑right disciplinary‑content column of the standards document. One addition for seventh grade highlights historical roots and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism; another high‑school insertion connects the Holocaust standard to explicit use of antisemitism as a justification for mass violence.

Jared Bernstein of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines had urged the board during public comment to ‘‘explicitly name and address antisemitism’’ in Holocaust‑related standards so students learn why genocide occurred and how to recognize similar ideas today. Wagner and the director told the board those clarifications were added following task‑force recommendations and department review.

Board members moved to approve the standards with the two amendments; the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote.

Department staff said the changes provide educators additional guidance and examples while leaving the standard codes unchanged. The department will publish the approved standards document with the clarifying language and make guidance available to districts and educators.