The Challenges of Academic Freedom vs. Holocaust Denial To Be Explored

What are the challenges regarding of Holocaust denial vs. academic freedom? What role does the First Amendment play in this? How does these matters play out in teaching Holocaust in school?

These issues will be among those explored in a Zoom presentation entitled “The First Amendment: Academic Freedom & Holocaust Denial,” by Professor Jennifer Rich of Rowan University, on Thursday, December 17, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

This presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session, is presented by South Jersey Holocaust Coalition and by New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, with additional funding from One Jewish Community—Jewish Federation of Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem Counties.

Professor Rich was an expert witness in the New Jersey case of Woodbridge v. Ali, will share who involvement in the case, which involves Holocaust denial, academic freedom for teachers, the First Amendment, and teacher preparation for teaching Holocaust in the classroom.

She is the grandchild of Holocaust Survivors. As a professor of education engaged in teaching future teachers, she will address the importance of subsequent generations speaking out, as expressed in her most recent book, Keepers of Memory: The Holocaust and Transgenerational Identity.

The chairperson of Holocaust Coalition is Harry Furman, a former Social Studies teacher who pioneered the first New Jersey high school semester course on the Holocaust and genocide, The Conscience of Man.

Educators, students, and the public are invited to take part and, for professionals, 1.5 Professional Development (PD) hours will be granted by New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education.

Registration (password protected) is required. Please register by visiting the Coalition website—www.holocaustcoalition.com.

Voluntary donations to Jewish Federation may be sent to 1015 E. Park Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360.

For more information on this and all South Jersey Holocaust Coalition events and activities, please visit the Coalition’s website at www.holocaustcoalition.com. Please see their Facebook page at “South Jersey Holocaust Coalition” for interesting articles and information about the Holocaust and related subjects. You may also email holocaustcoalition@gmail.com.