DOE names Keene State professor to Commission on Holocaust and Genocide Education

CONCORD- The New Hampshire Department of Education has named Dr. James Waller, the Chair of the Department of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College, as its designee to the newly-formed Commissioner on Holocaust and Genocide Education. HB 1135, which the Legislature approved overwhelmingly in June and Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law in July, created the Commission, as well as adding Holocaust and genocide education to the criteria for an adequate education. Dr. Waller will serve as the Department of Education’s representative on the Commission.

Waller is the author of “Becoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Genocide and Mass Killing”, which is used by students across the United States. He has served as the Cohen Endowed Chair of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College since 2010.

“Dr. Waller is a nationally-recognized expert on the Holocaust and genocide studies, making him a vital voice to serve on this Commission,” said Deputy Education Commissioner Christine Brennan, who asked Waller to participate. “We are thrilled that Dr. Waller is giving his time and expertise to this important project.”

“The most important work we can be doing is the work of building peace,” Waller added. “Understanding what happens historically when we don’t do that work is crucial to understanding where we are today.”

The Commissioner on Holocaust and Genocide Education will draft model school district policies for Holocaust and genocide education, recommend State Board of Education rules, and identify best practices and teaching materials for Holocaust and genocide education. It is scheduled to release a preliminary report by January 1, 2021, and will issue annual reports through 2024.

Bio of Dr. James Waller