SECTION 1. Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws entitled "Curriculum" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

16-22-22. Genocide and Human Rights Education. -- The department of elementary and secondary education shall, pursuant to rules promulgated by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, develop curricular material on genocide and human rights issues and guidelines for the teaching of such material. Said material and guidelines shall include but not be limited to: the period of the transatlantic slave trades and the middle passage; the great hunger period in Ireland; the Armenian Genocide; the Holocaust; and the Mussolini Fascist Regime and other recognized human rights violations. In formulating this program the department shall consult with practicing teachers, principals, superintendents and experts knowledgeable in Genocide and human rights issues. Local school committees may incorporate such material into their elementary and secondary school curriculum.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.