Providence Journal , RI
March 14 2005

Symposium on genocide today at RIC

01:00 AM EST on Monday, March 14, 2005

Five years ago, the Genocide Education Bill was passed into law in
Rhode Island, but not all the state’s school systems have
incorporated the corresponding curricula. But a symposium organized
by several local educators that is scheduled to take place today may
change that.

The first genocide education symposium in the state is being held at
Rhode Island College’s Gaige Hall. It will feature noted authors and
professors, as well as U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and U.S. Rep. James R.
Langevin.

Esther Kalajian said that she and co-organizer Pauline Getzoyan
embarked on “a two-year labor of love to promote genocide education
in our schools,” that led to today’s symposium. The Armenian National
Committee of Rhode Island and the Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial
Committee of Rhode Island have lent their support.

Kalajian, an educator and parent, whose own parents “were very
dedicated teachers themselves,” said that “this was a cause that I
believed in.”

The speakers include Peter Balakian, author of The Burning Tigris;
Judith Claire Mitchell, author of The Last Day of the War; Jim
Fussell, director of Prevent Genocide International; Jimmie Jones of
Facing History and Ourselves; George Aghjayan of the Eastern Region
Board of the Armenian National Commtitee of America, and Dr. Henry
Theriault, associate professor of philosophy at Worcester State
College.

The sessions will cover topics including the writing process and the
effects of uncovering history, genocide denial, labeling and
genocide, when neighbor turns against neighbor, legislation and
foreign policy.

The bill that passed in 2000 was sponored by former state Rep. Aram
Garabedian. It opened the door for elementary and secondary educators
to develop curriculum on genocide and human-rights issues, says
Kalajian.

“Obviously, there are pockets of genocide education in the state, and
maybe one or two that are covered more extensively than others. But
we wanted to give teachers as much information as possible, and let
them see what is done in other states,” Kalajian said.

Educators will receive a copy of a working curriculum from
California, she said, and hear about curriculum in other states,
including New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York.

“We invited people from outside of Rhode Island, experts in the field
. . . not only in their chosen field but experts who work well and
relate well with students and teachers. We read books, and we went to
hear them,” Kalajian said.

“We are excited not only by the integrity and ability of the people,”
but also by their ability to relate to students and faculty, she
said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress