Turkish Americans: Your Voice Is Needed to Stop H.R. 2585

H.R. 2585, called the “Armenian Genocide Education Act,” is currently before the United States House of Representatives. If passed, it would direct the Library of Congress to create and nationally distribute educational materials promoting one official interpretation of the tragic events of 1915–1923.

The bill describes Ottoman Turkey as having carried out a “systematic and deliberate state-sponsored mass murder” and defines disagreement with, questioning of, or minimization of this characterization as “denial” or “distortion.” It would support teacher training, online materials and efforts encouraging state and local schools to introduce these materials into American classrooms. It would also authorize $2 million annually for five years—potentially $10 million in taxpayer funding.

This legislation is not simply about remembering suffering. All innocent lives lost during this painful period deserve dignity and remembrance. However, history education should be comprehensive, balanced and based on open scholarly examination—not shaped by political pressure or legislation that presents one contested narrative while excluding historical context, other communities’ suffering and differing interpretations.

For Turkish Americans, this is especially important. If we remain silent, future generations of American students may learn a one-sided account that portrays Ottoman history, Türkiye and Turkish people only through accusations of genocide and labels any disagreement as denial. This could deepen prejudice against Turkish Americans, damage relations between the United States and Türkiye, and make honest dialogue and reconciliation more difficult.

Opposing H.R. 2585 does not mean denying anyone’s suffering, attacking Armenian Americans or preventing the study of history. It means asking Congress to protect academic integrity, support balanced education and avoid turning complex historical questions into legislated conclusions.

H.R. 2585 has not yet passed the House. This means your voice can still make a difference.

Please take a few moments to send a letter to your representative asking them to oppose H.R. 2585. Members of Congress need to hear directly from Turkish Americans and from everyone who believes that history should be taught fairly, responsibly and with complete historical context.

Silence can be interpreted as acceptance. Please speak now—respectfully, clearly and together.

Tell Congress: Vote NO on H.R. 2585 and support balanced, evidence-based history education.