The National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City commemorates the attacks that occurred in 2001. | Ken Lund/Wikimedia Commons
The National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City commemorates the attacks that occurred in 2001. | Ken Lund/Wikimedia Commons
Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ) signed legislation requiring schools to teach about the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The law will require every public school in Arizona to dedicate part of its curriculum to observing 9/11 Education Day.
“The events on Sept. 11, 2001, shaped a generation and forever changed America,” Ducey said in the news release. “The tragic events that unfolded that morning bound us together and altered how we view the world. We have an obligation to teach our children about the events and ideas that made us who we are as a nation.”
Arizona is the 15th state to require some form of 9/11 education as part of the public school curriculum, the news release said.
“On that day, we faced an attack on who we are and what we stand for: democracy, liberty, and freedom,” Ducey said. “We’re going to ensure future generations of Arizonans never forget how those values were defended on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Rep. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) sponsored the bill. He served with the Port Authority of New York and the New Jersey Police Department for 20 years, according to the news release.
“Thirty-seven members of my police force valiantly gave their lives trying to save and protect others on that tragic day," Kavanagh said. “I will never forget the pain of that day. Now, with this bill, we are ensuring our future generations never forget their sacrifice. Thank you to Gov. Ducey for his leadership in civics education.”
The State Board of Education will develop a list of age-appropriate resources to recommend to schools, which will align with existing academic standards, the news release noted.
“By ensuring this day is in lesson plans, our youth will be armed with critical knowledge on the history of our nation and better understand the world we live in now,” Daniel Corr, State Board of Education president, said in the news release.
If 9/11 Education Day occurs on a day when schools are not open, the previous school day or the day after 9/11 will be observed as the holiday.
“We must help our future generations of students – who did not experience the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001 – understand critical moments in our nation’s history,” Christine Burton, State Board of Education member, said in the news release. “Now, with 9/11 Education Day, we can support teachers with resources to teach and ensure there is time in the school day to ensure we never forget.”
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