One Narrative, Many Consequences: The Armenian Genocide Resolutions Across U.S. States
In recent years, and especially in 2025, an increasing number of U.S. states have introduced or passed legislation and resolutions that adopt a single-sided narrative of the Armenian Genocide — often without any reference to the broader historical context or Türkiye’s perspective. These resolutions, which aim to recognize and teach the events of 1915–1923 as genocide, are being institutionalized in education systems across the country.
While the suffering of the Armenian people during World War I is undeniable and should be respectfully acknowledged, framing the Ottoman-era conflict as a singular act of genocide — without recognizing the full scale of the civil war, Muslim losses, and geopolitical complexities — does not reflect historical fairness.
States That Have Adopted Mandatory Armenian Genocide Education or Passed Resolutions:
California
Michigan
New York
Massachusetts
New Jersey
Illinois
Virginia
Ohio
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Colorado
Minnesota
Kentucky
Texas
These states have either mandated Armenian Genocide education in public school curricula or passed commemorative resolutions — often with no reference to Turkish perspectives, international legal ambiguity, or the suffering of other ethnic groups during the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
Why This Is a Problem
It promotes historical distortion: A single narrative becomes law while debate, nuance, and academic inquiry are suppressed.
It alienates Turkish-American students: Many report feeling blamed or shamed in school settings.
It marginalizes Türkiye’s voice: The omission of the Turkish side contributes to long-term misperceptions in American public and political life.
What Needs to Happen
Community Mobilization in Every State
Turkish Americans must organize at the local level — not just nationally — to monitor and respond to legislation.Parent & Student Support Materials
Create template letters in English and Turkish for families to respectfully object to biased curricula.Engage with School Boards and Legislators
Attend meetings. Ask for balance. Offer historical resources.Educate with Integrity
Publish fact-based materials that respectfully acknowledge Armenian suffering while clarifying Türkiye’s position.Support PAC Advocacy
Help TC-USA PAC build relationships with lawmakers, develop public campaigns, and push for historically balanced education.
At the federal level, the Armenian Genocide Education Act (H.R.2585) has been introduced in Congress, proposing $10 million in funding to create and disseminate educational materials. Turkish Americans must stay alert and engaged — especially as this federal initiative could institutionalize a one-sided view nationwide.
Our history deserves fairness. Our children deserve dignity. And our voices deserve to be heard.