We, concerned residents and members of the Turkish-American community, respectfully call on the New Jersey Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and all relevant curriculum officials to adopt a more balanced, inclusive, and academically responsible approach to teaching the events of 1915 in New Jersey public schools.

Currently, students in New Jersey are being taught a version of history that frames the Ottoman-era tragedies solely as the “Armenian Genocide,” without adequate historical context or the inclusion of diverse scholarly viewpoints. This narrow and politicized presentation not only deprives students of a full understanding of a complex period, but also silences other narratives—especially those of Turkish-Americans and other communities affected by the events of that era.

We fully support the teaching of difficult historical subjects. However, we are deeply concerned that the current curriculum:

• Presents only one interpretation of a historically complex and contested topic

• Ignores the broader context of World War I, civil unrest, foreign interventions, and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire

• Excludes the suffering of other groups, including Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and Jews

• Marginalizes Turkish-American students, who report feeling silenced or stigmatized in classroom discussions

Moreover, the curriculum has been developed and implemented without input from Turkish-American educators, scholars, or community leaders—a serious omission that contradicts New Jersey's own standards for diversity and equity in education.

Presenting a singular, politicized version of history—without context or academic diversity—violates the principles of educational integrity, limits critical thinking, and undermines the mission of our public schools.

We urge the New Jersey Department of Education and local school boards to:

1. Incorporate diverse scholarly perspectives when teaching about the events of 1915–1923

2. Review and revise the curriculum to reflect the full historical context and the suffering of all communities involved

3. Engage Turkish-American educators and historians in curriculum planning and review

4. Foster inclusive classroom environments where all students feel respected and free from cultural bias

5. Promote critical thinking and academic inquiry, not simplified or politically driven messaging

We are not asking for denial. We are asking for accuracy, context, and fairness—so that our students learn history as it was: complex, painful, and multifaceted.

New Jersey’s schools must promote understanding, not division. Let us work together to uphold the standards of historical integrity and educational equity.

Please sign and share this petition. Together, we can ensure that New Jersey students receive a balanced, honest, and inclusive education.