BILL: Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act (H.R. 3266)

H.R. 3266 - Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act

Bill Overview

• Title: Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act
• Introduced by: Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Cali.)
• Purpose: To mandate the Secretary of State to submit annual reports reviewing the curriculum used by the Palestinian Authority.

Current Status

• The bill was passed in the House on Nov. 1 and then received in the Senate. It was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Key Elements of the Bill

• Curriculum Review:
  • Mandates the review of textbooks and other educational materials used in Palestinian Authority schools for content that may incite violence or show intolerance against Israel.
  • Highlights problems believed to be found in Palestinian Authority textbooks, such as the promotion of hatred and violence against Israel and biased historical narratives. 
• Reporting Requirements:
  • The Secretary of State must report on the presence of concerning content in the Palestinian curriculum, efforts by the Palestinian Authority to reform their curriculum, use of U.S. foreign assistance in relation to this curriculum, and U.S. efforts to promote tolerance in Palestinian education.
  • These comments are to be made available publicly online. 

Supports and Critiques

• Support for the bill:
  • Rep. Brad Sherman emphasized how the U.S.’s support for the Palestinian people should reflect American values of tolerance and peace, while criticizing the current curriculum for erasing Israel from maps and promoting violence against its people.
  • Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) described the act as essential in confronting anti-Semitism.
  • Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) stressed that U.S. taxpayers should not fund education promoting hate and intolerance and said the bill is a step toward peace and security in Israel.
• Criticism against similar legislation:
  • Critics argue that such legislation aimed at surveillance and censorship restricts Palestinians’ freedom over their education system, creating a climate of fear, persecution, and repression.
  • Similar laws are criticized for targeting Palestinian freedom, going so far as to punish students and activists on grounds of terrorism for actions such as raising the Palestinian flag.
  • There's an overall concern about the U.S.'s bias against Palestinians, unwavering support for Israel's actions, and suppression of criticisms of Israel, while other international bodies, such as the U.N., have stated that Israel is committing genocide.