O nauseating vision: two golden haired infants, costumed in lederhosen and dirndl, running south, carefree, at 57th and Broadway. Ye who grasp Britain's larynx while whispering diplomatic covenants into her ear, do not mystify the Teutonic guilt! Have the courage to discomfort the hordes among you.

Leo Frankel, New York City,

This is true. I am a teacher in the Newark Public School System and have watched as history is being systematically rooted out all together in order to prepare the students for the culturally biased N.J.ASK. I also have been chastised for teaching the legacy of African American people.

Eric Screven, Edison, Middlesex

The English for all thier follies and mistakes have always been forthright and upright when confronting terror. Shocking to read this act by teachers of all people. No true Briton can ignore the sacrifices a whole generation underwent to oppose the Nazis. It would be insulting to thier memories.

Balakrishna Varma, Bangalore, India

What do you say to the Allied soldiers who fought and died so that many could live a free life and too deny that the Holocaust did not happen. Winston Churchill and the British people could repell the Nazi's, but cannot withstand telling the truth because a religious faith deems it offensive. Why?

Bill Hockinson, CDM, United States

What do you say to the Allied soldiers fought and died for the cause of freedom. Where are Winston Churchill & the British people who repelled the Nazi's! England no longer with it's heritage. To deny the Holocaust because of a religious faith that has mudered millions in it's history....is ironic

Bill , Corona del Mar, United States of America

This is an absolute disgrace. We must always remind ourselves of what happened here. Otherwise history will repeat itself. I visitied Auschwitz and I can tell you that this is something we must tell our children over and over again what to avoid.

Martha Winiecki, Royston, Herts., United Kingdom

racial discrimination happens when kids are not properly taught of the fundamentals of humanity. That's why group/peer division emerges on school grounds, at the workplace, etc. Omission is not the solution. Instead, we must come up with new methods on how to teach the sensitive parts of history...

Ma. Luz "Gygie" Nunez, Manila, Philippines

History is really important no matter where it is from or what happened. People need to know about it. There is an saying I have heard without history people doomed to repeat the transgressions and mistakes of their ancestors.

Tiff, Roanoke, United States of America

What happened between England and Ireland, Scotland, Wales the 13 colonies, are they English with different accents????

Larry, Los Angeles, USA

The importance of teaching history reside exactely in making students critically understand these atrocious mistakes! What will be left of history essence without coping with those happenings?

Margot , Ravenna, Italy

How about Apartheid, Bolshevik Revolution , Atom Bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ? Massacre of native Indians in Pre USA period. Bosnia ethnic cleansing.
They must be included too if History is important. Or is History Impartial ?

Zein, Giessen, Germany

This is outragous!!!! I cannot balieve what my eyes are seeing!

salat, tel aviv, israel

We cannot be indifferent to the truth and rewrite history. Surely, we cannot abdicate our responsibility for creating awareness.

Anita Chanda Peace, Walton-on-Thames, England

Those who forget History, are doomed to repeat it.

Tonya, Everett, USA

Mind as well not teach history anymore. People committed crimes in the past, so if you want to teach this subject, you have to admit what happened. It was a different historical context, and this is a key issue for understanding this subject.

Sebastian, Toronto,

Ridiculous!

Ron Gozinya, chicago, usa

I am disappointed to read of this short-changing of history. Also, dismayed that some of the teachers are not familiar with the topics. That is deplorable. We certainly have things that are shameful in our own American history--and we should be vigilant to ensure that we teach them to our children.

Lawrence, Atlanta, GA, USA

If we remove the threat from teachers, than the integrity of teaching world history can be restored. Frankly, the whole world should unite and affirm that fear of offending intrinsically offensive idealogues and cultures shall never take a front seat to the truth.

Chris, Los Angeles,

Let us be honest and address the real problem we face in all over Europe today. The Islamic immigration. In general, the Islamic culture, values and rules are not compatible with the western civilisation. We can NOT, under any circumstances, change any aspect of history or change or values.

Dan, Oslo, Norway

If we do not know where we came from we will not know where we are going and nether will those young students who are not taught proper history.

Glen Pickard, Lufkin TX, USA

I am appalled to be British right now. I have never heard of anything so insensitive and degrading to humanity than the idea of removing the holocaust from the UK education curriculum. All humans should look, learn and consider others emotions and feelings no matter what race or creed.

A. J. Scott, Newcastle upon Tyne, England

If we do not teach our children the truth about our history it is bound to repeat itself. If we can teach about slavery we should teach about the Holocaust. Shame on the academic world.

Brenda, Norton, USA

History is history. Don't muck around with it. Teach it like it happened.

Censorship may start with all good intentions, but wfere does it stop.

The problem is not what happened in history, the problem is how you deal with it.

We can learn from factual history what not to repeat.

Walt McKinley, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

My friend taught at our Catholic high school and had the same problem with teaching about slavery - the administration did not want parents calling and considered it too controversial to go in depth. She has since moved to a public school and is amazed and gratified to find more freedom to teach.

Fiona, New Rochelle, USA

Come on some one in the Mother Country "Get a clue". 6 M people murdered and you need more evidence. Just turn on the history channel and take a look at the newsreels.

This makes me sick.

Jim Morgan, Webster, TX, USA

This is an appalling betrayal of all the men, women and children whose lives were lost in the Holocaust. Since when did we stop teaching historical truth because it makes some people uncomfortable? If that is the principle we follow then we will eventually stop teaching history altogether.

Angela Emerson, Toronto, Canada

who is running your country?
The Holocaust actually happened. I have relatives who
died there. How can a school system stop teaching the
truth? If Muslims are offended by the truth let them set
up their own schools. Not teaching the truth about history
is an act of cowardice.

Bobby, Los Angeles, USa

Please 'Timesonline' send all of these comments to the House of Commons. WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TURN THE LIGHT BACK ON IN THIS COUNTRY.........................!

patrick, Miami, USA

Will they eventually drop Darwin and it's theories NOT to offend the Catholic practising? The History has to be revealed, studied, analyzed and discussed with younger generations especially, not "dropped" to fit convenience.
Man learn from history - whether good or bad, never from denial.

Francesca, rome, Italy

Just wondering? Who pays for the classes? Just Muslims? If the "Truth" is preached in mosques, that's the place for the "true" holocaust story. What about the recent "holocausts" in Serbia and Bosnia where both Christians and Muslims were slaughtered by the thousands? Did that "not" happen too?

Gary Carpenter, Békéscsaba, Hungary

Those lives lost deserve remembrance.
Those lessons need to be told, so the whole world can realize that hate and terror can only lead to corruption.
We need to let those who are the future know what bad things can happen if we do not humble ourselves as human beings and remember tragic events.

Debra, North Ridgeville, USA

When people forget, they make the same mistakes over and over. We as a spiecies are all doomed for this single reason. It also opens the way for familiar behaviors. Teachers and law makers all around the world have no moral courage left, and this more evident in daily events. Shame on the followers!

Joseph, Camarillo, USA

To ignore history based on not wanting to contradict what children are taught at home shakes the very eduational foundation of this country. Since when do we educate based on what people want to hear? The whole point of education is to teach people to investigate and to seek the truth!.

Gloria Payne, Atlanta, GA, US

You have got to be kidding! These happenings are part of world history. Who was it who said, those who do not study history are going to repeat it. I say study all aspects of history, bad news as well as good.

John, Nampa, USA

What do we propose to do? Change the course of history? What about the events of "9-11" do we wipe out those tragic events and the memory of all who died just because it may offend. These are chapters in history, which define the way the world has changed, whether that is for goog or bad. Get real !

Glyn O'Reilly, Rochdale , England

C'mon you'all. Let's get some sense and intellect into your heads. Darwin's Theory of Evolution is the biggest hoax to ever be levied on the world public. Indeed, no transitional species exist and creation of the first life-forms from nothing is absolutely impossible.

Rand, Sacramento, California, USA

To Ryan, Bishops Stortford, UK...
Though I strongly ascribe to Evolutionary sciences, specifically Darwin's Theory of Evolution, is in fact, not a fact, it has not been proven to be corrct, otherwise it would be called a Theorum for a while, then a "law". He was only, on the right track.

Friday, PDX,

Leading to "emotive" an "difficult" lessons - well thats not on now, we should make classes "dull" and "easy"

I know some children who do not agree with Fibonacci, perhaps mathematics should also be removed from the curriculum "as not to cause offence"

Agree with Ryan, Embarrassment to the UK

Graeme, Scotland,

What a joke this country is, I feel ashamed to be called a brit. How can they not be teaching Darwin's Theory of evolution for a start when it has been proven to be correct. Brilliant, lets teach our kids lyes, I'm mean why not!!! Because its wrong Mr Brown. Another proud british example of itself.

Ryan, bishops stortford, uk

This opens the door to pandora's box. I'd just as quickly petition the American government if they were to remove slavery from texts to appease the white population who are not the original tradesmen! It is necessary to teach our children of our past offenses so they don't repeat our mistakes.

Laura, San Diego, CA, USA

And Obama wants to talk to the Iranian leader because "America should talk to its enemies". Think about his friend, sorry "ex friend", minister in his church who is so vitriolic about America, where he lives, and is allowed to say such things. Just think about the priviledge of freedom of speech.

Jo Mahar, Auckland, New Zealand

Do you think Iran is changing its history to suit Christians Jews etc, to feel better. We have to remember that Muslims, Jews and Christians all came to England, America etc..for a better life, a better life of personal expression and the truth about history!

Craig, Edmonton, Canada

Oh and of course the USA never bends historical fact to suit it's own ends! I agree that removing the unpleasant parts of history to avoid offending anyone is totally unacceptable but people in glass houses......

linda , chichester, uK

Guess we should have let Hitler take the UK? Would it have been easier 2 teach the truth then?This is absolutely ridiculous. 2 pick & choose only the pleasant parts of history is a disservice to students & an insult to all of those who perished during Holocaust, as well as all of those died fightin

Lisa, Collierville, USA

It sickens me that we have become so politically correct that we can't teach our kids the facts. You know the old saying of history teachers, "those who fail to learn the lessons of history are bound to repeat them."

Nick, Tulsa, USA

Modyfing the history is the worst act a country could allow to the childrens. Erasing the past erases the future.

Henrique Magalhaes, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil

If England doesn't want to teach "real" history, including the Holocaust, to please Muslims and other
minorities, then why do they not delete the teaching of any World War II history, including Hitler's bombing of London? Crazy? Yes!
Don Malquist, WA, USA

Don Malquist, Blaine, USA

Students that disagree with subject matter should simply fail the courses. Teachers that don't teach Truth should be fired and replaced with responsible staff. If Muslims go to a country it is by choice, they should accept the Country as it is.

Patrick O'Connell, Royal Oak, USA

I am so sick of hearing about things being removed or changed or named differently to please others. It is part of the worlds history. Perhaps we should stop teaching about Pearl Harbor because we may insult those of Japanese decent. Pretty soon there will be nothing left TO teach!

Red, Las Vegas, USA

How can such a great country in the world such as England simply remove the Holocaust from its curriculum??? Did it just become a boring subject? And why are the Muslims being offended by learning about the Holocaust in school, it has NOTHING to do with them.

Barak Krengel, Kansas, USA

Every race, religion and nationality has a history with events and occurences that were sometimes glorious and other times horrible. Not to teach both is not to teach at all. If people are offended and /or ashamed by their history would that not be motivation to improve things in the current time?

Joe Buffa, Bayville, USA

I'm surprised Her Magesty, Q. Elizabeth would allow such a paultry excuse. The film "Justice for Jews from Arab Nations" is available through Sephardic House, NYC, USA. [American Sephardic federation.org.] Educate yourselves. Those who want an Arabic ed. need to attend arabic schools.

Miriyam Karasik, Cathedral City, CA, USA

This is obsurd. Lets forget the twin towers now we are at it and lets forget anything that might offend "certain religions" what will these stupid polititians do next.

In memory of six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered

gina, gibraltar, gibraltar

I think this is an outrage! What happened happened and we should learn from these mistakes. Do they also wnt to scrap the crusaders that did horrible things as well? Or are those anyway not in the syllabus? Look facts in the face and live with it!

j payne, Incheon, South Korea

What's going on in UK? You got to be joking, hide the history not to offence the mulims? Are the some kind of superior peopley you have to obey and kneel for? Isn't UK a western nation with western values, or have I missed something here?
Pieces of what's happening in UK is also happening in Norway

Steinar, Oslo, Norway

The Holocasut stands as the single most devastating and horrific killing of Jews and others deemed sub-standard by the Nazi regime. We must never let this lesson of barabric cruelty be forgotten. The moment we fdeny what happened in Europe, where the Jews were exterminated, the world is at peril.

judy goldstein, longboat key, USA

please mandee from newmarket ...i hope you really don't believe that . the holocaust Must be taught in schools ... "lest we forget"

b, toronto,

What if your Grandmother or relative died in the Holocaust. How would you feel..I guess the schools should stop teaching that the Americans dropped the A Bomb on Japan, it might offend an American. I'm American and that story should be told, for better or worse "IT'S HISTORY"
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Lynn Loosier, New York, USA

Mandee, we absolutely DO need to learn about things that happened 70 years ago in order to prevent them from happening again in the future. There is no reason that learning about the Holocaust should offend anyone, even Germans. It is a part of our collective history as a world. Also, it's "too."

Sarah, Manayunk, United States

Mike H, New Hampshire, USA, with you all the way!

Martin Gruber, Klein Engersdorf, A 2102, Austria

While it is always important for teachers to be sensitive to all of their students beliefs, it is also important to teach lessons of tolerance and compassion, which are common themes that the Holocaust embraces. It is also vital for children in primary school to learn about the history of their own country and that of the world around them, so that they may prevent such atrocities from reoccurring in the future. Of course, one can not force students to listen or believe what is taught to them-- perhaps a permission slip for elementary school children to learn about the issue would be better than ignoring the topic all together.

Stephanie, Phoenix, USA

Welll i think they should take it out of school,
we dont need to learn about something that happend 70 years ago.
Yeah it does offend other people SUCH as germans because they didnt have a choice or else they would be killed to.

mandee, newmarket, canada

The longer the Muslims are placated, the more emboldened they will become. By bending to their will, you make them think their misogynistic backwards culture is more important thank your own. If we go to their countries, we would have to abide by their archaic rules (and rightly so) THEY should have to abide OUR rules. If they don’t like it, they can go back to their own countries. I am hard pressed to find a contribution to the world by Islam in my lifetime. It isn’t art, science, music, peace, or medicine. I don’t consider the bomb vest or the IED to be useful. Wake up England! What happened to Churchill’s Great Brittan? I though you would fight them on the beaches etc. Where is the country whose citizens stood up to the Nazis in the Blitz? Wait until they tell you the Queen must wear a Hajab!!!!!

Mike H, New Hampshire, USA

When will we get a government in this country that will allow British cultural cornerstones to stand head and shoulders above the sensitivites of a few loud mouthed radicals? It offends me greatly that we have to modify the teaching of world events to satify a minority. The workers of this country pay for the vast majority of those educated in this counrty and I for one insist that the kids are taught properly, otherwise we are paying taxes to teach lies.
There have always been examples of history being modified to suit social or political needs. This does not make it right, the Holocaust is too big an issue for humanity to forget, its not a religious or racial issue, its about how one group of people treated another, if learning about it makes you feel uncomfortable, GOOD, it should do! I would be deeply saddened if this important lesson is lost to future generations, they have a right to know and those who suffered during this period deserve to be remembered.

Simon , London,

How can anyone just accept this?!
We should stand up to these groups who deny the Holocaust and send real veterans in to teach these lessons! People who were there! My grandfather for one!
These teachers should be ashamed! They should quit their jobs and go look for something in retail, or insurance....because schools should be buildings filled with history and knowledge!

When children challenge teachers with questions...this is when they LEARN.

Lou, Vancouver, Canada

I do understand the concerns of the teachers facing such a difficult issue as the human conflictual nature regarding difference and will for power. I believe that teaching history, teaches us that it has been, and still is, difficult to live with difference and that we as human beings tend to misuse power. Wouldn't that be a great opportunity though, to reflect on how are we now sharing and learning from one another how to live together keeping our differences? Wouldn't that be an incentive for schools to reflect with their students alternatives to power relationships? Perhaps not. It's easier to hide the passed rather than to offer teachers tools and training on how to deal with such great responsibility. It's easier to alienate students and keep them ignorant. Give them a credit card and send them to the shops instead.
DC, London

DC, London, UK

I would cringe to see the face of a WWII veteran after telling them that children are not being taught about something as ghastly as the holocaust. After what the world endured, I can think of no greater insult to the fighting soldier or the starving prisoner who died. How can any sane individual agree to this? The Holocaust was witnessed by many and is extensively documented, we can even consider it as being relatively recent history. So I say "Shame on those teachers who bend to these wishes! Show some courage and stand up!!"

Kit O'Connor, Trenton, Canada, ON

God forbid a Muslim should be exposed to the very real relationship that occured between Hitler and Jerusalem's Grand Mufti (who incidentally stayed in Europe as a guest of Hitlers and was responsible for implementing a muslim ss regiment. It seems to be Muslims are more offended that this historical fact will have light shed on it than they are about the Muslims of that time who willingly participated as SS soldiers. I certainly hope the teachers and parents of the UK will not be silenced by such ignorance.

Christine, Orillia, Canada

England that took part in the world war 2.
UK soldiers did winess by their own eyes concenration camps and survivours.

How this countires education system can stop teaching it? and avoid this subject?

Maybe we should stop teaching about United states history in England? It could offend many nations on what was done to Indians? and maybe we should stop teaching Australian history as well? It could affend many nations what was done to aboregins? Or slavory in US? it also can offend many nations...

Or maybe England colonial history should be not tought as well?

Terrible decision. and closing eyes on th ehistory only because other peopel can't face the truth is a terrible mistake and decsion.

Gennadi Traiberman, Atlanta, USA

Shame! Shame! Shame! who has forgotten the Chamberlain lesson of appeasement for the radical or the insane. No matter how hard ...one must live with the truth and the Holocaust of 6 million Jews was the truth. Stop trying to appease a group and teach all children what is right and wrong. For if you do not stand up for truth then before long, one will read in the history books how it was England’s imagination that London was bombed by the Germans or more probable it would be written that it England’s own fault for World War II and the Nazi party was just a missed understood group who were not loved by their mothers. Come on!! England please do not let the millions of your countrymen and women die in vane because the truth may offend some. Be proud of the fact that you were an instrumental part in saving the civilized world over 60 years ago.

Michael Glidden, Boise, ID

Why don't we ban Remebrance day, Battle of Britain, Trafalgar, all the other pomp and circumstancial events which once made Britons feel Great. What a sad state of affairs, will anyone out there dare to put their foot down or will we all have to emmigrate to a country who don't just give theirs away?
Phil, Cumbria (the last Bastion)

Phil, Cumbria, England

Right thats it. Whos for a revolution. We must start putting our collective foot down in this country before we lose our entire indentity.
Things like the Holocaust must not be forgotten but subjects like evolution and creationism should be given side by side and let the children decide. If they are considered old enough to take tests then they are old enough to make up their own minds.

Jane , Northampton, UK

Before long, if not already, all the survivors of this horrid event will have passed on. If we don't remember history isn't it written that is enevitable that it will be repeated. Oh My God. Can no one in power see this?

Mary Smith, Tulsa, OK

I feel sorry for England - the newest muslim country.

Troy Turner , Los Angeles, USA

A sad reflection on those teachers who would appease the strident minority voices who wish to deny history. Does not the UK have a Curriculum Council, wherein the subjects relevant to educating your youth are proposed, agreed upon and mandated?
If you do not, perhaps you should - and let its constitution be a broad cross section of your community; let its resulting content include the evil and the good in equal measure, wherein, in the name of religion, mankind has strayed from sanity.
Sadly, again, the UK is not the only nation in which misguided people seek to selectively present historical fact to further their own agendas.
Even in the US, that bastion of free speech, some schools refuse to teach or even encourage debate on the subject of evolution, preferring instead to push the narrow viewpoint of a myopic few religious zealots.
Chamberlain learnt many years ago that appeasement leads to ruin...for future generations' sake, wake up Britain, before it is too late.

Bob Douglas, Baldivis, Western Australia

I would just like to remind the world that when the nazis took over germany they changed history to, look it up, they took over, burnt books and rewrote history as hey wanted it to be, it was using this that they bred hate against jews and basically anyone who was Aryan/ conforming. We remove the holocaust or crusades we set the stage for a repeat of it.

And since when did countries like Iran who deny it happened have the right to dictate our opinion? Let them dictate their small disillusioned country but dont let them have ours as well.

This isnt against muslims at all. Nearly all Muslims are well educated and have vast reserves of commen sense but apparently not all do. And neither does our government either.

Anyone who targets all muslims because of this is as stupid as the people who deny the holocaust.

But regardless these people who deny it deny our very rite to understand and to not be taken for a fool.

Mark, Croydon, 'Great' (but not very smart?) Britain

Dear all,
history always offends someone. There are always mistakes, wrongdoings and pain. Along with those are amazing lessons of goodness, courage and honour, and we and our children must learn about them all. That is how, no matter what our culture or religion is, we can grow up to be good people.

Kalina Silva, Porto,

I want to say that "I cannot believe this", but the sad truth is, I can. Truth is truth, whether you like it or not. Society's "stance for today" can not be allowed to erase the truth of history. If we do not know where we came from we have no hope of knowing where we are going. Even greater, we have no gage to keep ourselves from repeating the worst that we can be. Political correctness/society's will must stop this "over simplifying" of everything in the name of "lack of offense". We are humans. We DO MAKE MISTAKES! We must record them & remember them in order to avoid making the same ones again.

There is a balance that can be achieved where we can live inspite of our differences without it being a forced "sameness". The animal & plant kingdoms are extrememly varied & yet they not only live but flourish with each other. There is HOPE but we must take a STAND. Parents, officials & citizens please do not stand by & do nothing. Raise your voice. Make a difference!

GL Smith, Buies Creek, NC/USA

Great Britain ......Ha there is nothing Great about this country now....We bend at the slightest thing.........WHY should we change our history ....just so we do not offend others....HISTORY is HISTORY....and the holocaust did happen

Why is it if we go to other countries we are expected to abide and respect their laws and ways....BUT we alow the world and his dog to come to our country and then to start dictating how our lives should be........we have to be soo careful not to offend...what about....the british.......we have our heratige our culture our religions....these are just as important as anyone elses........but no one cares if we are offended or not....these things only go one way.......there is a time bomb ticking in this world and ....if we do not stand up for our own rights in our own country ...then God help us...........( anyones GOD !!!!!!!)

W Walker, Immingham, UK

Hello! I'm portuguese. We didn't felt direclty the consequences of the Holocaust. At least not as much as countries like Holland, France, Italy and... England!!!!!!!
In my point of view this is absolutley SHAMEFULL for the english people. Please, good and thruthfull people stand up against that coward coward atitude! Fight for Truth just like your ancestors fought for Freedom, Justice and Human Rights!

José Pedro Henriques da Silva, Alcobaça, Portugal

So....if I were to travel to a mainly Muslim country, would I be able to say "Teach my child about the Holocaust?"

No. I would get beaten to a pulp.

The UK has lost its back bone. No other country would give up its values to make sure no one is offended. This is a perfect case of the over used phrase "Political Correctness Gone Mad".....Why is it overused? Because it keeps happening.

The UK is no longer the country I was proud of.

Lucas Black, Farnborough,

Four years ago we emmigrated to Italy with our 3 children. We are now returning and it scares me that all we hold dear is being wiped away by mindless cowards.
In Italy, children are taught the history of their country foremost and to hold onto it with pride. In geography, they are taught about their country and to appreciate it.
I so hope that our education system teaches ,and allows us, to have the knowledge our children deserve, learn from our mistakes and understand that ignorance is harmful.

S Graham, Perugia, Italy

Whats the point of free speech when the very institutions that should cherish and promote that amongst our children are " hiding " our history to appease a minority. Shakespeare " to thine own self be true then thou canst be false to no man" Take his advice history teachers.

S Hartles, uk,

This is offensive to the intelligence of every human being in the United Kingdom (and on the planet) irrespective of race or religion. It’s absurd, it’s 1984, its communism at its worst, its national socialism - how the bloody hell are we as a species going to learn from history if certain knowledgable (sic) politicians and academics censor it….

Alan, UK,

I have just learnt today! 24:1:2008 that my daughters education has been changed because these idiots say its offensive, Most of them are actually wonderful as people, but BOY! their beliefs have gone too far to influence my daughters education on "The Holocaust" and for the millions that died during this darkest hour of human history.
POINT1: WE shall never forget! those who fought for our freedom.
POINT2: This is NOT Racism, its a way of saying "Your the visitor to these shores and if you DO NOT LIKE IT? (GO HOME)
POINT3: To all Religious education: if this is to be the way then all religious teachingshould be scrapped from schools
NB I am from the far east and very ASIAN in looks and beliefs, I will always be a VISITOR although born here I will never forget where I came from but I am greatful that the UK gave me THE CHANCE TO LEARN AND GROW UP HERE AND i WILL ALWAYS RESPECT THE UK WAY OF LIFE.. PERIOD

Paul, Birmingham,

millions of people were killed/executed in ww2. lets not hide from the fact that they were people of all religions christian, jewish, muslim to deny that any of this (the holocaust) happened is to deny these people existance. teach history as it happened not how you want it to have happened.

jill, perth, western australia

I am sitting across from my Jewish roommate and we are shocked and appalled that this is acceptable in the UK. I cannot believe that this isn't getting more media coverage!! Even this article doesn't point out how horrible this is. What's next for the UK? Maybe they shouldn't let the Jews sit on park benches. It might offend someone.

Jessica McCall, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Erasing the holocaust from school syllabus' is a display of racism and a giant goosestep towards the increasing ignorance of our countries youth. It silences remaining Semitic voices across the globe in a bid to appease, and customise the cruel facts of history in order to make them more palatable. Jews across the world, and indeed ourselves as a nation should be offended by this decision. It is an act of censorship and cowardice in the vital communication of history, and an insult to our integrity, world heritage and intelligence.

Louise Stinchcombe, London, UK

Poor, poor U.K. !!!
Next U.K. generation will ask to avoid talking about 11/11 in USA...it never happened, just a "myth" from the Americans ???
I had another view in my mind about U.K. people... DO YOU REALLY accept this ???

laurent Vandoorne, Gullegem, Belgium

Being a daughter of a survivor of Auschwitz and ,becasue of this ,teaching genocide and mass murder at a UK university, I am very alarmed and sad that the victims of the holocaust are yet again being denied their voice. We learn from history on a number of levels and to teach about the holocaust raises many important questions for us in the 21st Century. Genocide did not cease to happen after the Second World War, for example the Rwandan Genocide and the Genocide in Screbrinica happended in our our so called 'enlightened' times. By teaching the holocaust we can move on and apply what we have learnt to situations that are occuring now, for example in Darfur, and in our very recent past. Important questions need to be addressed by the older generation and our younger generation. We must not forget the sufferings of millions of people either because it is 'offensive' or 'emotive', we must be honest in our endeavours to seek the truth and mean when we say 'Never Again'.

Kasia Wachala, Blackburn, UK

I got a form letter about this subject. I went on line to enquire
if this was true. My God what a travesty of justice. I trust this
will not spread to other countries being so stupid. History
is history you can't deny the past. Teach it from all view points
instead. I had a British education in Rome, in the sixties
and history was the best subject I had. Coming from South
Africa all we got was the dutch settlers and the afrikaaners
trekking and all the Zulu wars. English history was all inclusive. I now live in Canada and hope the Canadians do not go the same route as the UK.
Colleen Dawkins
British Columbia
CANADA

Colleen Dawkins, Courtenay, British Columbia, CANADA

What about all the non-Muslim student? What will they learn? How fair is it to them to short their education in the name of - what?

Science has not backed down with evolution, it has fought to keep it in the curriculum. Why does history have no backbone?

Barbara Cooper, Farmington Hills, Michigan

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it...." George Santayana
This famous statement has produced many paraphrases and variants:
"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
"Those who do not remember their past are condemned to repeat their mistakes."
"Those who do not read history are doomed to repeat it."
"Those who fail to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors are destined to repeat them."

Let's hope not, eh?

Guy Masterson, Northaw, Herts

Re your article 02/04/07 by Alexandra Frean "Schools Drop Holocaust Lessons...."
So sorry for England...once a mighty Lion now a wimpy little pussy cat......being pushed around by a variety of low life do gooders.....get over the political correctness garbage and get back to being a tolerant but strong non-subservient country once again.

James Cunningham, Perth, Australia

Right Garry, so it's the teachers that make a choice, which does make a difference.
However, an appropriate measure would be that the Department for Education should order the holocaust to be in any history lesson in every school. This has nothing to do with Muslim students being offended, because this way history is coloured by the strongest opinion! It's clearly a matter of principal.
Everybody is free not to learn from history, but we all are entitled to know how, where and when history was formed.
Truth is not something decided on by a majority of votes!
UK Government should take it's responsibility and take a stand!
Ron Jelsma
Holland

Jelsma, Amsterdam, Holland

Why don't you all read the article. It is not the schools or the Education Authority or the Government that are failing to teach the Holocaust. It is individual teachers.

What a lot of waffle from a piece of research that just might help to reinforce the teaching and so much vitriol against us.

Garry, Proud to be British and proud to have visited Belsen. Proud to have served my country in Germany. How many of you who condemn us in all the above posts can say the same?

Garry, Near London, Great Britain

This is a travisty! I'm outraged that they would even think of removing this bit of world history from their schools just to placate a bunch of people. I have seen the vidio's and even taken a class in school where we studied the Holocast in depth so that we knew that what happened then was wrong. It's wrong to think that just because of some people that the Holocast can be swept under a rug and forgotten. That's just wrong!

Taresa Hibbard, Richland, WA

If memory of history serves me correctly (and it usually does), the US did not officially enter the war in 1939. But some of our air force men volunteered to go and fly fighter planes with the Brits - so we did in fact support Britian during the earlier years of the war before we officially entered the war. I don't know how many of our people died during that time, but I'm sure one of you gurus can research that right quick. The US did, however, officially enter the war in Britian and in time to help beat the Nazies off the back door in Britian. Having said that, I don't like this business of throwing up this fact to the Brits, the French or anyone else in the format of "if it weren't for us, the Brits would be speaking German" or the Nazies would be drinking coffee from the side walk cafes in Paris". This is quite often mean spirited and doesn't help anything. Another reason why history should be properly taught and learned-can't learn from the past if we don't know history.

Salie Henry, Frisco, TX (USA)

The fanatics that are offended by the teaching of historical fact are waging a very clever war and have the patience and cunning to have it span decades or centuries. Our current government officials don't have the guts or the forsight to nip this thing in the bud and are directly contributing to the dissolution of democracy and freedom as we know it. Shame on the British government for bowing to the few who want to rewrite history to serve their own cause and shame on any other government or people who allow this kind of desecration of the suffering of millions of people who experienced the attrocities caused by the same kind of people who want to erase the facts of history. Write your government officials and express yourself now or risk finding yourself in a world where you cannot.

CharlesM, Liberty, Florida

CORRECTED POSTING: I simply can not believe that the British People (English, Scottish, Welsh, and I am one fourth each Scottish and Welsh, and Cornish) would tolerate this pulling The Holocaust and the Crusades out of their curriculum. These are the people who stood alone against the tyranny of German National Socialism, when the USA should have been in WW II from 1939 onwards, nevertheless, you stood alone. Sir Winston must be spinning in his grave!! Now, when a "threat" comes from Arabic National Socialism (look on the Web for Michel Afluk and Amin al Husseini; there is empirical proof that Arab National Socialism - Baathism - is NAZI, their political testament being the French translation of Mein Kampf), do you just want to roll over, play dead, and hope nothing "untowards" happens? Again, Sir Winston MUST be spinning in his grave!! Americans are still a fundamentally defiant people, not in any way prepared to accept this PC garbage. I suspect we will always be so. It is just US.

Thomas Simpson Jr, Millard, Nebraska USA

What is the first comment saying about the US not being involved in 1939? How can anyone say a thing like that when we saved them! The Brits would be speaking German if it wasn't for us! He/she needs a history lesson of their own!! What does this have to do with British schools ignoring the facts of history???

Mary DeSantis, whitesboro, NY

I simply can not believe that the British People (English, Scottish, Welsh - and I am one fourth each Scottish and Welsh, - and Cornish) would tolerate this. These are the people who stood alone against the tyranny of German National Socialism, when the USA should have been in WW II from 1939 onwards. Sir Winston must be spinning in his grave!!

Now, when a "threat" comes from Arabic National Socialism (look on the Web for Michel Afluk and Amin al Husseini; there is empirical proof that Arab National Socialism - Baathism - is NAZI, their political testament being the French translation of Mein Kampf).

Political "correctness" is doing its best to make inroads over here in the USA too. It has made some progress. But Americans are still a fundamentally defiant people. It is in our national character. So PC is still finding us a tough nut to crack, as I suspect we will always be. "Never quit", I believe Sir Winston said. That is good advice for all Euro-Americans to now follow!

Thomas Simpson, Omaha, Nebraska USA

Shame on the British for caving into political correctness. How could anyone in education deny the atrocities of the Holocaust when they have been so well documented by the Germans, themselves, and by the Americans? General Dwight D. Eisenhower had the foresight to make sure atrocities were well documented by
American liberators because he knew that some day someone would deny that the Holocaust ever took place. I wonder if any of the history teachers in the UK have ever seen Holocaust survivors with the CC numbers branded into their bodies?

Yesterday, I spent three hours teaching about the Holocaust and WWII to sophomores eager to learn of events from a “war baby.” Thank God, we are still able to teach in the USA not only the Holocaust, but also the evidence proving that it took place.

Linda Jones Simmons
USA

Linda Simmons, Pasadena, LA, USA

History is history we cant change it but we can learn from it.
No good hiding from the truth and the facts, we should all be taught about our past, especially those that have changed the way we now live

steve seymour, weymouth, england

Shame on the people who would drop this subject. And of all country's to do so!! How many millions of English citizens gave their lives to defeat the Nazis and the Third Reich? Your great cities were bombed and burned by one of the most destructive ideologies that our planet has ever known. If any lesson should teach us what beliefs of supremacy and intolerance can lead to it is the lesson of the Holocaust. It was cowardice and appeasement that made the Holocaust possible - and so it is with the decision to drop this from the curriculum. Shame on you!

Bob Ritter, Union Vale, NY / USA

Those who don't study history are doomed to repeat it. Those may not be the exact words but the thought is accurate. The teachers and those who allow this to happen should be ashamed of themselves. GB of all places should understand the devastation that appeasement can bring.

Sheryl Bar, Philadelphia, PA USA

Also cannot BELIEVE the news on the change to the curriculum. History should be factual as far as possible not PC!

Fiona, Reading,

It is both tragic and disgusting that England is so concerned about offending Muslims that they will no longer allow important parts of history to be taught in schools. I find this to be so incredibly sad.

Shame on you Great Britain!

Jonathan David, New York,

Hisroty should not be whitewashed or rewritten to avoid "offending" a particular group. Muslims have no good reason to be offended by teaching the facts about the Holocaust, as they are not accussed of any wrongdoing in it. And its occurrence is fact, despite claims otherwise. Althought the numbers are rapidly declining, there are still witnesses to those horrific events among us today. To fail to acknowledge such evil and try to learn how to prevent its recurrence is to sentence us to once again be its victims.

Ann, long island,

I am an Englishman who can trace his ancestry back to 1485. How dare the Department of Education condone the non teaching of the 'Holocaust'.

Muslims played no part in the event. The perpetrators were German Nazis, not All Germans, just those who went along with Hitler's sick regime.

I will be writing to the Department of Education and the leaders of those religions whom we are supposedly protecting.

This is by no means the last that will be heard of this. I for one will not rest until this sort of stupidity is banished from this country.

Nicholas Emm

Nicholas Emm, Nottingham, United Kingdom

Shame on you Great Britain. It is inconceivable to me that your country could be so spineless. This is a travesty and I am not a Jew.

This colors my perception of Great Britain and makes me very sad.

David Bowers, Georgetown, Maine (USA)

booo! If you live in the UK you must adhear to being British, same thing for Canada, USA and any other country for that matter... if you want life to operate a certain way then live in the country that opperates that way. as countries we need to stand up and say no. We are so worried about stepping on toes! baugh! Tell it like it is, my grandfather faught in that war, and his brother died... it happend and it needs to be taught. They are intollerent of us, look at the stupid reaction with the poorly named Teddy bear. We need to stop being nice and pull out of their country and send them back to theirs as that is where life is lead according to how they want to live it.

Betty, Canada,

What a tragedy....to remove from history those lessons that might prevent such an event from ever recurring! Those who do not learn from the past are bound and determined to repeat it. I pray for our world. What are we doing? Slavery was wrong, it occured....it cannot be erased, but it can be prevented! The Holocaust OCCURED...learn, prevent, protect. Such a spineless group of politicians that rule our policies and procedures!!!

K Bacheller, Pinedale, Wyoming

I am not surprised by the UK government's decision to drop lessons in the Holocaust. This government, and the previous, has totally lost the plot and capitulating to threats from the Muslim community. Might as well forget teaching history as a subject as somewhere somehow it is going to offend a certain section of the population who are intolerant and ignorant.

I just read another article today that overworked hospital staff are "ordered to stop all medical work five times a day to move Muslim patients beds so that they face towards Mecca. The lengthy procedure, which also includes providing fresh bathing water, is creating turmoil among overstretched staff on bustling NHS wards."

Welcome to the Islamic State of Britain.

Jeff Daniels, London,

Why not change every horrible part of history! God forbid anyone is upset! oops, I am sorry I said GOD!

barnes, G Bay,

I can only concur with the views already expressed. We here in the states can only shake our heads in wonder at our government and wait for the next election to do something. But this is so reprehensible and I cannot believe the teachers,themselves are not appalled.
Diane Heigel
Webster Groves,Missouri U.S.A.

Diane Heigel, Webster, USA

To suppress any aspect of history to appease the sensitivities of any particular group is to rewrite history in the manner of the Ministry of Truth in Orwell's 1984, for is only in the recording and interpreting of written and audiovisual archives that we can continue to remember what happened. If these archives are distorted or partially omitted in any context - in our schools, by politicians, by the media - our society is not only the poorer for it, but we do great offence to those millions who suffered in the extermination camps of Poland and Germany, Cambodia, the labour camps of the "Gulag Archipelago"(..) and to those who perished on both sides of other terrible events. We also sanitise the actions of the perpetrators of these inhumane acts by muffling any public discussion of their deeds.

Are British teachers also forbidden to discuss topical issues that eventually become history and may be interpreted as offensive?

Resist politically correct censorship now!

C Bangs, Auckland, New Zealand

I was today made aware of the decision of your government to drop the Holocaust from school history subjects. We might as well not report wars, the atom bomb, atrocities, rapes, riots, murders, aircraft crashes, ship sinkings, the Iranian teddy bear, the current government, weather forecasts, the Queen's birthday and anything else you care to mention since somebody somewhere is going to be offended. Does AD 1066 or 1215 still exist? If one cannot mention the holocaust in UK schools, why have "history" lessons at all?" When I was at school at the end of WW2, I had a friend who showed me a published list of British Jews who would be eliminated when the Nazis reached Britain. Her family was on that list. I was 10 or 11 years old and I was sickened. I cannot see why this should be forgotten and the opportunity for a repeat situation be created. Shame on the Education Department and your government. Sickened again, John Ward

John Ward, Adelaide, South Australia

Good grief...have you gone MAD my dear cousins across the sea...take back your country...don't let the views of radical religions drive out the truth about the halocaust or the crusades...God heip us all...what happened to the once great United Kingdom...unite...do not be overtaken...what is next...conversion?

Margaret Miller, Nashville,

When teaching the holocaust, teachers should also include modern history such as the Middle East holocaust where millions have died in order to protect just one recently formed unwelcomed state.

Harry Boswell, Cambridge., U.K.

Are we also to forget the attrocities against Muslims in Bosnia in case we offend the Jewish population? Our children need to know of these things so we can at least hope it won't happen again, not worry about offending a minority of the muslim community. We surely need to learn from history - not sweep it under the carpet.
I'm appalled,
Owen, Devon

Owen Williams, Tiverton, Devon

I missed this piece of news, not surprised really as I expect it was pushed under the carpet quickly.

What is the point in teaching history if we don't actually teach history....and instead teach a selection of the past that is determined by how many people might be upset by it!

I want everyone to be upset by the Holocaust and every other terrible event in history, no matter who caused it or when it happened. When my wife and I travelled, we visited Cambodia and when to S21 prison, I will never forget that day and think of it often as I sit in my lovely home, enjoying the freedom I have and the lack of death on my doorstep!

Always remember and never forget anything...good and bad.

David Milne, Gravesend, UK

I wonder when England will start to hide their glorious
occupations of half of Asis, Africa, the golden exploitations of
many countries their, of slavery , etc. The word colonialism
is of course a foreign word, and shall not be used again. It never happened .

Or - maybe that the holocaust was something not so strange to Britons, they have themselves executed not a few atrocities

bert L, K.S.,

I wonder if Taylor Hayes from Florida can appreciate the irony in their comment?

This is a story about the quality of Teaching, not about Muslims, or anyone else, trying to infiltrate our culture.

Lorna Fletcher, Milton Keynes, UK

I would like to see the response of the community if the school board had ruled that they should not teach about the Battle of Britain because some group thought it was unpleasant or offended them.

Lee Herman, Wellesley, MA

This is a prime example of the very obvious DUMBING DOWN of education.
So sad that this includes sucha dreadful event.
I know, maybe all the living skeletons dressed in rags, and the dead on the ground, were all actors and actresses.....
My old friend was one of the soldiers who entered the camps.
He said they all struggled to believe their eyes at the nightmarish sight sall around them.
It is important for older children to be made aware of events like these, if only to encourage them to feel compassion.
There is anti-semitism in government, and I strongly feel that this is where such decisions stem from.
I have, as a Christian, always felt puzzled that the race whose family values are uppermost in their culture, are the ones who are targeted. Very sad.

H.A., Blackpool, england

RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!! Next we won't be able to sneeze in a classroom or at a concert because someone's religion doesn't believe in making noise...

Tell the Muslims to get a grip. they don't have to believe everything they hear or read .... no one else does.

Taylor Hayes, Florida

taylor hayes, Palm Harbor, FL, USA

I cannot believe that once again the hypocrasy in schools - and the education system - has taken policital correctness to this bizarre extreme. What on earth is up with this country these days? It seems to me that shop keepers are afraid to put up Christmas decorations, play christmas music and now - we are ostracising History for the sake of 'over sensitive' souls and their cultures. Hang on what's wrong with this picture? Well... This is the United Kingdom people and everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. Personally I think it's do-gooders who are to blame and not the people 'certain races, and religions' that are actually complaining. We need to hear about 'all' historical errors in order to learn not to repeat them. So get your act together P.C obsessives - you are the ones who create racism, not help prevent it.

Samantha G, Manchester, United Kingdom

Yet another nail in the dumbing down of knowledge - and sadly, a victory for the BNP.
Children need to know about such horrific events at a reasonable age, how else will they learn about co-relating with others, and the most important thing. in this world......compassion.

The british and american soldiers who first entered the camps to see living skeletons, were scarred by this dreadful experience, something, I was told by one, they struggled to believe.
My old friend said he could not take in the dead and dying all around him.
I think there are more holocaust deniers than we think in high places, wielding inlfuence on important decisions.

H.A., Blackpool,

What about the Jewish people who are offended by this? Do we not count? And not only the Jewish people, but the brave soldiers (who were not Jewish) who risked their lives to liberate the camps? Does that mean they sacrificed themselves for nothing? Does that mean that their descendents can't now be proud of them becuase they fought for something that "didn't happen"? Has the Government actually sanctioned this? It's ridiculous.

Amanda F, Manchester, England

How RiDICULOUS!!

I stand up for the millions that were persecuted or killed in the holocast, I believe that it is most important part of history, it should be told, taught and learnt from.

SUCH FACTUAL EVENTS SHOULD NEVER BEEN SHOVED UNDER THE CARPET AS NEVER EXISTED,

Children are are future, how will they learn if they are not taught, History is there for us all to learn from.

How ignorant are we as a society to take this out of our teaching curriculm. This issue should be challenged immediately!!

rosalind crown, monmouthshire,

a horrible thing. really surprised that of all places, England has chosen to go to this extent let alone even question the Holocaust-----I am a Jew (in America) and I take this as extremely offensive- and just flat out stupid. how did this policy get so far as to actually be implemented????

There is a Hitchcock directed film - you can find this very graphic film on google video- of unreleased and uncut BRITISH footage of the concentration camps filmed towards the end of the war.

How is this decision justified? Their reasoning is just so over the top, mind boggling! I don't understand. I cannot believe the Department of Education - a group of EDUCATED people are serious. they areflat out wrong are choosing to ignore proven history and not teach children the lessons we have to learn from the Holocaust in order to become more tolerant. Right now, every member of authority in Britain is accepting and fueling intolerance if they don't step up right now. wow

Lauren T, Brooklyn, NY, USA

Cowards! Just as "multi-culturalism" is another not so sublte phrase for the denial and destruction of the founding principles of the western world this policy is another step toward the revision of history. Muslim countries do not allow outsiders to dictate their teachings. It is tragic that their once great civilizations hungering for knowledge and leading scientific advances dictate a policy of ignorance for all. We are destroying ourselves. When will we learn?

D Finkler, Westwood, NJ/USA

Aren't you offending the ~16 Million people that died in the Holocaust and all their descendants? What kind of stupid excuse to hide something so well documented as the Holocaust?
Aren't you offending the Germans if you teach WWI and WWII? Do not teach it! Aren't you offending the Frenchs if you teach Waterloo? Do not teach it!
Come on! Are we educating or what?

Mark, newark, delaware

So, we are to be given a new history. I wonder what history the Tavistock Institue will be advocating for us, I can't wait.

Adrian Peirson, Luton, UK Beds

The Muslim world does not have much knowledge of European history, they will admit it. When Muslims come to the West to learn history, why are we now supressing part of it because they teach it differently in a region long isolated from our history. This does not promote understanding, but instead enforces ignorance. It replaces factual history in favour of conspiracies taken from forged anti-semetic documents debunked almost a century ago.

It's a sad world when facts become so offensive we scrap them altogether.

M. G., Sudbury, Canada

Those who ignore historical facts are deemed to be the cause of history repeating itself. Different cultures, communities and religions will differ; how does NOT teaching something NOT offend anyone, it offends the memory of the people who suffered and died in the Holocaust! How about the relatives of all those multi millions, of many countries, cultures and creeds, that died in the Holocaust; who are still alive and still suffer today, do their feelings not come into the equation? I can 100% guaranty they will be offended! All this rubbish that the Islamic people deny the Holocaust ever occurred, historical fact that we know happened is fact, hiding historical facts from children is not teaching our children anything, EXCEPT TO BE DECEIPTFUL, everyone knows this to be absolutely wrong. The type of people, who perpetrate this poor manner of teaching, by omission, should themselves be punished. John F. UK.

John Furley, Sedbury / Chepstow, UK

This is my second writing, after reading 'Have your say' from a teacher: Quote: "Florida72, Orlando, Florida, USA"; who described teaching the Holocaust subject to a class as "disheartening and terribly, terribly scary"; you should be ashamed of yourself, you call yourself a teacher, I have seen more guts come from a childrens kinder garden attendee. You should be control of the class, not the class in control of you. If you cannot teach the truth, get out of teaching, you are not any good to anyone if you don't believe youi should teach the true version of the Holocaust to your pupils; Scary or not! This why the situation has arisen in the first instance, because of weak people like you! John F. UK

John Furley, Sedbury / Chepstow, UK

I have lost members of my family is diverse conflicts, and belong to a richly varied tree... Knowledge has always been my friend and my support. I feel for the children of those "well intentioned teachers".
If the intention of schools is to provide the best instruction and education, how can choosing the bits we teach be an option? You cannot pretend to give the students a partial version of knowledge, and then have them give educated visions of the world around them, and how it got to be what it is! It would be like feeding a child only chips and then have the child understand what made him/her obese...

Deborah Méndez-Blaauw, New Westminster, BC, Canada

Having many German relatives who died in the Holocaust and being a gay man (also a minority that was due to be exterminated) I am quite shocked that the British government would rewrite history by omission.

This is such a dishonor to all those poor souls who were killed and to those who fought so bravely to bring order back in to a chaotic world.

I am hoping that those in power will find their spine and moral compass and change this decision.

Dave Maier, Minneapolis, MN, USA

I am as concerned about revisionist history as I am about PC based cirriculum. I fear that the catchy phrase The Holocaust is being used more and more to describe the selective extermination of 6 million Jews in Concentration Camps instead of the the more accurate extermination of about 16 millions Jews, Christians, Gypsies, Poles, Homosexuals and Communists. The systematic and industrialized slaughter that was emplaced by Himmler, Hitler and others should be taught as what it was, the abomination of humanity that included others races and religions as well as Jewish victums. This part of history needs to be well remembered, but remembered accurately. I fear that in just a few generations only the extermination of the Jews will be spoken of, and the horrible larger scale genocide of non-Jews will have no voice. Every time someone speaks of six million dead - remind them that the true number was almost double that of non-Jews.

Andre', Miami, US, FL

Is this true or is it some teachers in some schools.we must never forget the Holocaust. As we should remember the victims and their families especially as we approach Rmemberance Day. Also it is one of the most documented facts in modern history. One of the reasons we learn from history is so that we will not repeat the mistakes of the past .as a nation in the past we were very slow to speak out about the concentration camps. If we had been quicker to act many Jewish lives would have been saved. So it would be to our national shame to deny the Holocaust. Which would in itself be an act of evil.
I am not Jewish.
Yours sincerely
Bill Ducker

Bill Ducker, Nottingham, England

I'll quote a great hip hop band (PE No.1) who had a lot of sense saying: "history shouldn't be a mistery our story is real history, not 'his story'...". As applied in there to the afro-american people, it can easily be transposed to any ethnical group's history. The holocaust DID happen and is part of our modern history, if not THE turning point of our modern world, and if some people still belong to some dark-age world, they should not prevent us to enlighten our kids'minds... Unfortunately, one of the ever best-selling books in the arab world for more than 50 years is the forged 'protocol of the elders of sion' which was first celebrated then demystified by the Times magazine in the 20's... Hopefully, the truth always comes out at last...
UK react! Don't get spoilt by islamo-negationnism. Act for the sake of mankind's freedom. Lord Churchill wouldnt have let that voluntary amnesia happen after so many sacrifices by your noble country.

David M, Paris, France

My Mother was born in Scotland! She died in 1963. I'm glad she died before she heard this STUPID thought! I do believe that u.k. has lost it's marbles! Who will save their --------next time?????
Maybe someone will remember all of the American lives that were spent to save the U.K.!!!!!!!!!!! But America being the nation that it is, will be the country that will save it next time!

Alex Rabitaille, Ft. Pierce, Florida USA

Can this be true? British schools are dropping a major piece of modern history because they don't want to offend Islamists who choose to deny the reality of one of the most well-documented events in the world's history? Perhaps U. S. schools should stop teaching about Britain's courage in World War II. Britain's courage has obvously flown out the window. This is contemptible.

Ruth H. Chapman, DENVER, Colorado/USA

As a concerned individual, I will start by boycotting anything British. Next, I will contact my elected representatives to make statements defending decency. That used to be what the U.S. stands for.

Michael, Burien, Washington

What kind of democracy does England have? They get to choose as to what occured in history? To me it says that England may be blind as to whether the holocaust was real. My goodness, if they don't want to offend the students, are they going to remove details on how they lossed to the United States?

Merle, Woodhaven, NY, USA

Don't teach the truth because it offends? Revisionist history certainly offends me and I'm sure it would be offensive to my ancestors who were thrown into ovens and tortured because of their religion. I'm sure they would find it offensive to have their babies grabbed out of their arms and used for experimentation to see how long it would take them to bleed to death if their arms and legs were amputated while they were alive. It is EXTREMELY offensive to those who can still remember their grandparents relating their first hand horrific experiences to have those lives lost simply for their religious beliefs erased because it might be "offensive" to someone who can't face reality...even if it is ugly as all intelligent people must do.

Janet Maday, Belle haven, USA/virginia

The decision to do this is preposterous. Our world is so concerned about who we offend and what we say about others that we are essentially giving up ourselves and our freedom to just be human. If we keep succumbing to Islam, what will the world be like in 10 even 20 years? Should we stop teaching that American fought against the British so we could have our freedom? No, it's a part of history and needs to be taught no matter who it offends. How much more will we change ourselves and our beliefs because it offends another race or religion? Yes, maybe democracy is not perfect but it was built for freedom of all people, not matter what race or religion you are. To those this offends...if you don't like what a democracy teaches or has as it's principles, then you need to go back where you came from. I hope England doesn't give into anything else because if they keep changing over minute things like that, they will soon take a downward spiral and then where do you stop?

A Beckman, Phoenix, USA/AZ

You can't give up history. The threats that teachers experience may be because of the way of telling it. Through history we can at last learn the facts as they happened, and that is wonderfull, because not politically sensitive.
Please find a way to teach it well, because we all at least want to know why, regardless of the current hypes.

Sophie Diatchenko, zeist, Netherland

Over two hundred years ago Ben Franklin said: "He who gives up a little liberty for security deserves neither liberty not security".

How emphatic do you think he would be today? Read Marcus Luttrell's book: Lone Survivor. Mr. Luttrell is a Navy Seal and represents the sharp point of our fight for freedom. Given the sacrifices of all thowse like him, the least we could do is cash in the chips of freedom they shed blood for us to hold and use.

David S., Longboat Key, Florida

David Siegal, Longboat Key, Florida

This decision is unbelievably offensive, not only to the Jewish community, but to all who savor education .
Teaching hisotical FACTS to educate so that these horrific events are not repeated is not offensive, it is essential!
Muslims who may be offended should take note - the holocaust was an attempt to erase European Jewry - it is fact, and must not be ignored. I wonder why the Muslim community isn't offended by extemists call to annhilate Israel, and all of Western culture. Perhaps the "moderates" slhould confront their own.
Is England becoming a Muslim state? Where is your sense of morality and desire to stand up for what's right?
Brits should speak loudly against this ridiculous decision. Those making it should be ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES!
I will think more than twice about visiting England and supporting the country until I become conviced that it is not succumbing to the strong armed tactics of the Muslim lobby and stands on solid principle.

Steven Hoffman, Pittsburgh PA

Steven Hoffman, Pittsburgh, PA USA

I think this is an outrage!
In years to come will we not teach children in our schools about the war in Iraq as it may cause offence to other ethnic groups??
This is getting beyond a joke now, this is the history of the world and a world that our parents and grandparents lived in, why deny children to learn about what their ancestors did for the sake of upsetting Muslims.

Emma, haifa,

"In particular settings, teachers of history are unwilling to challenge highly contentious or charged versions of history in which pupils are steeped at home, in their community or in a place of worship."

This is only part of a very disturbing trend in western society, where education takes a back seat to ethnic or religious principle.

This is not unlike many US states, in which creationism must be taught as part of the science curriculum and evolution is considered a "debate."
The major difference in this scenario is that, in the UK, won't even bother to mention the facts at all! Countless English students will graduate not even knowing that these major world events took place. What a sad statement, indeed.

Shame on the Department of Education for implementing this absurdity and shame on the people-- who have stood idly by to let it take place.

Since when did the requirement not to offend supercede the proper education of citizens?

Alex, Toronto, Canada

I have always been proud to be English, until today when I read this article. Deciding not to teach subjects our of fear of causing offence belittles and degrades the teaching profession. Education is supposed to provide a window to society's past as well as a strong foundation on which to build society's future. Not teaching subjects because they're controversial or difficult insutls the pupils who sit in the classroom. The joy I found in history was the exposure to ideas, thoughts and facts that I hadn't been aware of and seeing how they fit into the complex puzzle that led to our present. If you don't have the courage to teach history (ALL of it), whether pleasant or not then you should move on.

Julia , West Hills, CA/USA

I'm not sure I understand why Muslims should be offended by the Holocust. They did not committ the atrocities. They were minor characters in WWII. In the aftermath, they tried to destroy Israel in three dirrerent wars. Each time, the Jews offered back land they claimed in trade for peace. Each time, they were rejected. If that offends any Muslim, then they should be offended more that their bretheren support the destruction of Israel. All this is disconected from the Holocust. As countries who support democracy, as flawed as it may be, we should support the Aussies, "Take it or leave it." It does not say in our constitution all new citizens have the right to come to this country and demand we change our ways to accomadate your needs. These are multicultural nations that try to respect all of its citizens equally, for better or worse. If you can't except that premise, go back to a nation that is still living up to your religious sensibilities and existing in the 9th century!

Greg, San Francisco, United States

British research groups chose to no longer exchange research and development information with the Israeli academic community in attempting to please the Muslim miinority in the UK. Certainly a loss for Britian and Israel. Shamefully, now Britian cowers to the Muslim minority in a further attempt to appease Islam. Perhaps the British should note the policies of the Australians,....."adopt to our ways, while still retaining your religion, or leave".

As for me, I will no longer buy any goods made in the UK nor, will I travel again on its soil.......I will, furthermore, make known to others England's offensive policies and, ask their support, shunning travel in the UK and boycotting English products.

God save England (from Islam)!

A. Samuels, Prescott, AZ

Nothing surprises whatsoever in this country now riven with political correctness. This move, if carried out, is utterley sickening. No wonder so many people feel compelled to leave the country. What an insult to those who perished in the Holocaust, but we musn't upset the minority groups. As for the Crusades, I don't suppose many people remember them.
The trouble is that this government is full of hand-wringing lsh apologists who think and would like to believe, that their hypocritical policies "not to cause offence" will change things.!

I have to agree with.Etty Bernatzy and his comments on Orwell's writings. One is fighting a losing battle and at times I feel ashamed to call myself British.

P.M. Quintero, Fleet, Hampshire

shocked & disappointed
you do not have the backbone to stand up to the truth?
remond to avoid great britain if i ever go to europe

marsha, arlington va, usa

Teachers should be objective in what they teach. There is no historian of any credibility who will deny that the Holocaust took place during World War II and that between four and six million Jews were killed. Teachers don't and shouldn't say whether they believe that the Jewish people should or should not have been given a piece of British controlled Palestine because of sympathy for the Jewish people's suffering during the Holocaust. The occurrence of the Holocaust is undeniably an objective fact. Whether the British should have partitioned Palestine between the Jews and Arabs is arguable and should be discussed. The United Kingdom is definitely walking on a slippery slope by eliminating one of the key events of world history in the 20th century by eliminating the Holocaust from history books. As Adolph Hitler noted in Mein Kampf, who remembers the hundreds of thousands of Armenians that were killed by the Ottoman Empire in the beginning of the 19th century?

Nathan Gilbert, Atlanta, Georgia USA

I wonder if the British teachers and Board of Education realize that by "dropping" teaching about the holocaust they also drop teaching about England's suffering during these years and about England's heroes who gave their lives to protect their country from Hitler and his cohorts. These are sad times indeed when George Orwell’s "1981" is being turned into reality only here instead of the communists rewriting history it is the Muslims who do it. England should remember that England belongs to the British people not to its Muslim guests.

Etty Benartzy, Miami, Florida USA

As usual, the Euros back down to pressure. Did they not learn anyting during WWII.

Clay Eiland, Dallas, TX

This from the country of my ancestors and the backbone of United States' history/democracy? The world being terrorized/coerced by religious fanatisim. We can live in harmony until the religious fanatics become part of a country's government, then the transformation begins to bury democracy and ONE GREAT RELIGION takes over the world by fear, browbeating and population numbers. Europeans are imigrating as more of their countries become terrorized and their governments ruled by RELIGION. Australia and New Zealand seem to be their destinay. Frightening, since these 2 countries were founded by the Unitied Kingdom! Where is the U.K's backbone - look to Australia and its government and learn from them! GOD BLESS AMERICA - THE LAST TRUE DEMOCRACY.

LLG, Washington, USA

Simply unacceptable and ridiculous!! Then again this from the same country that has allowed its own residents to protest in the street toting signs and slogans like "death to the west".

I am from Canada and it is actually a prosecutable crime here to deny the holocaust. I suggest the British authorities take note should the teachers not be in a position to "challenge highly contentious or charged versions of history in which pupils are steeped at home, in their community or in a place of worship”.

D Dawg, Vancouver , Canada

Since when are historical facts a cause for offence?
How about dropping History as a subject? No one will get offended. Use the spare hours to teach Islam and the Koran - it seems England is on the way to adopt it.

Michael Lazarus, Atlit, Israel

What next ? The denial of 9/11 ? replacing the Gideon Bible with copies of the Koran. If teachers believe that teaching true history to our future generations is contoversial...then they should take up another profession. My family..all jewish, have been British subjects for about 200 years. Some of them died fighting for this country. There were some of my family who died in concentration camps in Europe. But to spare the feelings of those who have been here for 50 years at the most, future generations are not going to be taught of the sufferings.
The jewish people are not looking for pity.....the time for pity has well past...but for recognition for the sake of history, so that the future world will know. ONLY our teachers can do this.

Gerry Myers, Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom

If schools are to avoid offending anyone, then the Japanese actions during World War II should be avoided, as should the enslavement of blacks in the USA, South African history and all other actions which indict human kind. That way, we can repeat these tragedies and believe that we were the first to do so.

bruce cohen, Albany, USA

History speaks its own truth. To deny it is to deny reality. When one denies reality that's insanity. Welcome to the "Snakepit."

Bob Gee, Lakewood, WA, USA

Teach Nonviolent Communication (a form of communication developed by Dr. Marshal Rosenberg) in schools. Then children and teachers will not need to be afraid of bringing up differences of opinions.

Liora Claff, Lismore, NSW Australia

Why should learning about the Holocaust offend Muslims. Muslims were hardly touched by it -- while it raged.
However, there is a reason why many Muslims might be offended. They don't like the sympathy that the Jews got after the Holocaust. The events that unfolded in its aftermath led to the creation of the State of Israel. The Arab world tried to eradicate Israel at its inception and failed. There is still a large part of the Arab world hell-bent on this quest. Israel's destruction has been taken on by other mighty Islamic nations -- notably Iran which is on the threshold of acquiring nuclear weapons. How will Britain teach its pupils after Iran obliterates Israel? Will Britain avoid hurting Islamic Iran's sensitivities? Of course Britain will. So will the rest of the free world, which should be praying -- that either the USA or tiny Israel itself will knock out Iran's nuclear capability. If this doesn't happen, humanity will enter its darkest age.

Ralph Dobrin, Jerusalem, Israel

I do not blame the muslim people for what our own government are doing. Our government is just that OUR government so why change the national curriculum? It is political correctness gone mad! Our children from all cultures and backgrounds have the right to know the truth about all history. I do agree that this is our country and we should not conform to all, if people are that unhappy they should then make a choice to return to their country of origin.

SJ.Bell, Blythewood, USA Yes, I reside in Turkey at present and they have Christian churches etc. They also have topless sunbathing on the beach and drinking alcohol is freely available in the many bars, restaurants and night clubs. Not all muslim countries are like that of Iran or Iraq so lets not all tar them with the same brush until we know all the facts!

Again it is our weak government that have agreed to this and in my view the education minister has a lot to answer for.

Kate Wheeler, MuÄŸla, Turkey

So, we cater to the Muslims again. Am I the only one who can see the danger, and double standard here? Do Muslims cater to Christians in their country? Have you ever heard of any Muslim acquiescing to Christians? If you don't want to learn and live in an essentially christian community - then find another Muslin country. We do not want to be converted - we don't care if you are offended - why? Because you CHOSE to come here. When I can wear short sleeves and drink alcohol in a Muslim country then that will even up the stakes and you can start demanding rights. Until then, ASSIMILATE or go home.

SJ.Bell, Blythewood, USA

At what point do we cater to political correctness and remove all information offensive to anyone? I am offended that Muslims, or anyone else, come to an essentially Christian land and attempt to foist their sensitivities on that culture. Why even come? If it 's that offensive, stay in your own country or another Muslim one! In catering to people who are "offended" we deeply offend those who fought in WWII (my parents)and those who died, which included many religions.

Teach the facts - like them or not they are history. If you are offended, then take your child elsewhere to be taught. Facts are facts - don't distort them for the sake of a few people who are trying to foist their beliefs on to others.

I am so sick and tired of people who immigrate and then try to foist their religion and land on their adopted country. You either like the new country or you don't. You have choices - adapt, assimilate or move to one that suits you better.

Sandra, Columbia, USA

If someone is offended by facts that have happened in the past, perhaps our education system is removing the wrong thing. Perhaps we should remove those that are not intelligent enough to learn from the mistakes of the past. Those that are so closed minded and retarded should not be afforded the luxury of what our past has brought us today. By learning from the mistakes of the past we have progressed to where we are today.
Granted we have far to go, but until we acknowledge the past and the mistakes we will never progress further.
I would make the observation that our muslim neighbors have much to learn from the past and have exhibited little ability to do so. With a dark ages outlook and a retarded mindset there is very little hope they will ever learn from their continual cultural mistakes.

Charles, London, United Kingdom

Britain suffered so much during the war against Hitler's nazis. Not only is it an affront to Holocaust victims, it is an affront to those brave Britans who suffered through horrendous bombings and heroically held out - alone for a time - against the Nazis.

On the other hand let's not go over board with outrage. As the article states. These few teachers themselves need to be educated. Remember that many are not much more than kids themselves and may not have a grasp on the significance of the Holocaust.

Ultimately, for all it's horrors, the Holocaust is the best lesson humanity has to teach us about our potential for evil, especially if we ignore the lesson.

Chuck , Buffalo, USA

The Holocuast was terrible and althought people might not like learning about it, they need to. I'm am just a student of Highschool but i think it is the most terrible thing i have ever heard. And i'm sorry if it 'Offends" Muslims. But its an important part of History.

Are we going to take out things about the Civil War (Meaning the topic of Slavery, i know that slavery was not the main reason) but are we just going to take it out of the textbooks because we are in fear that it is going to offend the black community? Or even the white community for that matter. The Holocaust happened whether you like it or not. Even though some Germans (not all) deny the fact that it ever happened they took pictures, videos, and recordings. How do you explain that. "Um yes it happened but i dont want to offend anyone" are you kidding me? There will always be something that some one says that is going to offend. This is a piece of History, that needs to be respected.

Katelyn, O'Fallon , Missouri

We must LEARN from past events, or the horrors can simply repeat themselves. And we shouldn't be blaming the descendents of Adolph Hitler and the descendents of the Crusaders for what those people did long ago. The current school-kids didn't do those things! But they should learn from them, just as all the rest of us should.

Robert Powers, Westcliffe, Colorado

When did we start limiting our histiry if it offends a few? We must never forget our past and it must be taught to future generations. It conjurs up horrendous memories, however we must learn this and never repeat it. Americas history slaves is sad, but part of our history and it is still taught.
If the teachers are too stupid to know what when on in history and they choose not to teach it--then retire. Find another job, because educating todays yourht is more important now than it has ever been.
---been all over and still learning

Kerrie, Oxford, USA Mississippi

How does this offend Muslims? They had nothing to do with the Holocaust, did they?

bwing55543, Edison,

The holocaust of the Jewish people in the second WW, is the greatest crime of the modern history ever.
Therefore, it must be teached and remembered in every place and untill the end of time.
Especially in these days, while the Iranian dictator repeats again and again his promise to inihilate Israel from the earth.
Learning about the holocaust can not offence anyone, since it is the greatest crime against humanity.

love and peace .

nir , Tel Aviv , israel

Why in the world should "children from certain races or religions" - I assume that means Muslims - be offended by learning about the Holocaust?

Eitan, Haifa, Israel

This is a way to lose a battle, not to win it,
You cannot drop such subjects from history,
Wrong choice!

Joe, berlin,

England has become a joke!!!!!!!!!!!
Soon the muslims will take over London!
Then what?????????

Sean, Shannon,

Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it.

Christine Carter, Springfield, MO, USA

After all the Britain went through in WW II to stop Hitler and his madness, it simply astounds me that you can just forget all about that to appease some narrow minded groups. Political correctness has been out of hand for some time now but this is just insane. Where is Churchill when you need him?

Sunny, seattle, Washington, USA

If the truth offends Muslims then so be it. Truth is more important than any religion ! Political correctness and fear of Muslims seems to be running rampant in England and old Neville Chamberlain must be dancing a jig !! Shame on you England !

Paul, Charleston, South Carolina / USA

Shame on you Britain

Stan, Chicago, USA

As a non Jewish Canadian I am appalled at this form of holocaust denial.

Pat Alcock, Huntsville, Ontario

I just cannot believe that because of peoples beliefs that a part of history can be removed and denied, it DID happen so why is it censored, why is it offensive to certain religions? Does that mean that history is NOT historical because it is offensive? If that is happening, how can we teach our children history...call the class "Inoffensive History of the world" I just cannot believe that this is happening to the world...

Anita, Bellevue, USA

Haing lived in the middle east for several years, I cannot understand why one or a group to concerned with sensitivity toward a group that kills to spread religion. Fact the fact, the holocaust did occur. The British are getting as bad as the French and attempting to deny history or revise it. How can the English be so "correct" in doing the dastardly deed.

Msgr. Weldon Bowling, OSB, Harker Heights, USA/Texas

I am an english literature student in Tel Aviv university.
I really didn't believe it was possible to drop out the Holocaust studies in England's school till I read this article and the responses of the people. I am ashamed and mostly, disappointed that while I read the greatest pieces of English Literature, students in England, avoid of talking about murder of my family in Ukraine some less than 60 years ago in Babi Yar and Odessa.
Read this quote by Martin Luther King JR:
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
I beliebe the silence now will cause another tragedy.

Hanna, Maalot, Israel

What point is there to teach history if it's censored/omitted rather than being acknowledged? I'd like to believe the teachers are capable of figuring out how to tell history (which is supposed to be an objective profession) without offending anyone. Besides, such a conclusion is really offensive for a lot of others (anyone who has sensitivity to the issue of holocaust)

Itai C, Kiryat Haim, Israel

As a teacher in Sweden I find this sort of cowardice among teachers rather worrying. What's even more worrying is that I think we already have tendencies like these in Sweden too, just like they probably exist in several other countries.
I would also like people to read the message above from the 14 year old student from Dubai, who feels that Muslims should not be blamed for this.

Jonas Sundberg, Stockholm, Sweden

The question is: are we here to educate the youth, so that they can make informed decisions on their own, or are we here to cater to the prejudices and beliefs of each. At one time, it was the Catholic church one had to be careful not to offend, now it is someone else...Speaking truth can be done in a compassionate way, it needs not offendinng anyone. Education is about opening the mind and offering different point of view.

Tamara Messenger, San Diego, USA, CA

we can alsow drop the american history -the muslems will love it! dont worry, the british royalty history is next.
you can`t delete 6 millions couse someone will be affended. but dont forget-you could be deleted as well.

keren, haifa, israel

Does the interest justified to deform the sad history and surender to the arab pression ???

Felix Dahan, Ashdod, Israel

Who exactly is offended by teaching about the holocaust? Are you saying that muslim students are offended because they may come from a background that denies the holocaust? Well done! you are breeding a new generation of Holocaust deniers that can join Ahmadinijad . I wonder where the British ministry of education is.

Dave, ny,

Why stop at history lessons? If we're censoring educational content that may offend certain individuals then why not drop the sciences altogether? The theory of evolution? Can't have creationists taking offence! Safe sex? Far too much controversy there, bin it!
When you begin stripping anything that could ever offend from the history books you’ll be left with nothing. History is conflict; great and terrible events that have shaped society into the form we have today.

Edward Reade, London,

"Political Correctness" is another way of saying mediocrity, stupidity and cowardliness. The Department for Education should also drop educating students about the War of Independence that created the United States, after all, it might offend a few Brits. And what about the history of slavery, and the civil war, it might offend human beings!? Damn it! Take the moral highground and a strong leadership position, don't let a few whiners and manipulators detract from the truth and a proper education. These students are our future leaders and voters...don't lead them down the path of distortion.

Gary Levin, Marin County, California

Why would you want to censor history? History is full of wars where one side wins and the other side loses. We don't stop teaching about WWII because Germans might take offense because they lost. By the same reason, you should stop teaching about the holocaust just because some people get offended by the subject. Remember that saying that goes something like, "if we don't learn from our mistakes we are bound to repeat them."

Dave, Davis, California, USA

J. Allen Strople, London, Ontario, Canada

A brilliant person, I am jewish and couldn't have said better myself. At least this time a muslim and a jew agree!

To not teach certain subjects because of the ignorance being instilled by some parents on their children is nothing more than wrong! Plain and simple.

Haven't we all had to give up enough already?

Let's stop being scared

Dave, Vancouver, Canada

I am 14 years old and i am currently learning about both the world wars at school. Before I even knew there was an official taboo on the holocaust I wondered why when learning the what were 'most important causes of world war 2 and why?' there was NO mention of the holocaust or even of jews?! Wasn't this the one of the main REASONS and the object of Hitler's attention? It's just completely ridiculous and stupid. It's re-writing history - and for what? No reason at all. I am saying this because yes, i am a muslim but i don't recall muslims having to do anything with it really do you? All these comments are blaming all muslims for saying it was a hoax. That really makes me upset. Stop grouping us all together, please. Perhaps that's only with a certain type of muslim, who knows? Just because you and I know they are completely wrong - stop blaming me too. To the woman who said all muslim countries were trying to say it was fake i'm sorry but that is utter deception. I should know...

A.N, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This is a sad commentary on the country that brought us the Magna Carta the British Justice System and much of Western Civilization.
It is nothing short of revisionism of history and we will all be losers for it. A truly sad day for Great Britain, the British people, to say nothing of their school system and the character and quality (or the lack of) their schools and teaching staff.
My suggestion that you review the words and message of "Land of Hope and Glory!"
J. Allen Strople, London, Ontario CANADA

J. Allen Strople, London, Ontario, Canada

This is why Western Civilization is drawing to a close and the ascendancy of a new Islam is at hand. The UK is demonstrating shocking weakness; not only an incapacity to advance its own beliefs and culture with confidence, but also an incapacity to utter simple truths, such as the existence of the Holocaust. As an American and a Europe-watcher, I cannot say I'm surprised - such weakness has been revealed time and time again. Unfortunately, America is not far behind, as it suffers from precisely the same deficiencies of spirit and intellect. A new Dark Age is at hand.

Sam Snead, Los Angeles, CA

Historical "Truth" is given to a person. This person then has to translate this truth in their own way to understand it. We live in a democracy where historical truth has to be challenged in order for it to be understood. This is healthy, otherwise, it is dogma and belongs in a totalitarian society. The teachers' job is to inform and train people to develop the strength to use their own judgement. To avoid doing this is to abdicate the responsibility of training a new generation of citizens and creates the conditions for bigoted extremists to flourish. The world went through a world war because this was not done: it looks like its going down the same path again. A famous Jew, A.Einstein, once said, "Only two things are infinite, the universe and man's stupidity... and I'm not sure about the universe". The education of the young should deal with both.

Barnes, Coventry,

This is illegal. It's against European legislation. It's against the law in Austria and Germany and the evidence that Holocaust happened is overwhelming. Come on you lawyers and be counted. Get this rejected and remove this stupid political correctness. Is this a parting piece of legislation from Totalitarian Tony the Twit of Whitehall before he leaves office?

Steve, London, UK

This has to be about the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Now, removing the Ten Commandments from the Alabama court house was ridiculous as well, but this is getting out of hand. Avoiding something that happened, and especially something where there are still people alive today that lived through it, to avoid offending one small group is absurd. They say they are trying to please everyone, well, did "they" ever stop to think that they were only pleasing the minority, and not the majority? Whatever happened to "majority rules?" Is that not how our own Supreme Court opperates? Or am I just an ill-educated snob?

Cayla , C'burg, USA!

I'm 57 and it seems to me that more and more, people cannot put reality into perspective. History is that, history. It happened. Do we not teach how slaves were brought to this country for fear of offending caucasians...like myself? I think not. Atrocities happened...deal with it and LEARN from it. History teaches us how NOT to something the next time around...or vice versa. It is my firm belief that the rampant drug and alcohol use is simply that people can't face reality and deal with it rationally and intelligently. But then, that's only my opinion.

BT, Orillia, Ontario

avoid offence for one and then offend the other that makes alot of sence

Isaac, Morristown, USA/ NJ

Is the department of education rasist or something? DONT VOTE LABOUR if he does not change policy!

I work in a school and will discuss this there. I highly commend the Times bringing this to our attention

Rich, Ldon,

Is the department of education rasist or something? DONT VOTE LABOUR if he does not change policy!

I work in a school and will discuss this there. I highly commend the Times bringing this to our attention

Rich, Ldon,

may be schools in UK should find teachers who are prepared to give history lessons... may be UK Universities should prepare in a better way history teachers... It's a political social and cultural matter, and UK goverment should take his responsability on that.

D.B, Heredia, Costa Rica

iI can't believe Uk schools are doing this - what happened to the truth? We are so quick to criticise other countries for "adapting" history, now we are doing it! Where wil this all end!

Paulene , Thingwall, Wirral

This is simply grotesque. Please would SOMEONE from the Department of Education and Science make a DEFINITIVE statement on what is REALLY happening in our schools - what directives and guidance are given to teachers .... because this isn't my experience of English schools at all !!!

John Bull, London, UK

I am offended that we are now going to allow our children's education to be dictated by ANY group. The massacres of people still remains real...do we want to obliterate the mistreatment of Muslims in Bosnia and other like nations for fear we will offend Christians? I haven't heard it mentioned...It still stands that history forgotten or erased is bound to be repeated. How long before we ban the mention of Darfur?

Sandra McBride, Jefferson, SC

This is totally unbelievable. Should we stop teaching everything because it might offend someone? What about teaching about terrorist attacks around the world or that my offend Moslems as well since many of them are done by Moslems. So in 20 years or so, we will stop teaching or talking about 9/11 because it may offend? History is full of atrocities and it is through keeping them alive that we, all people of the human race, may hopefully stop creating them!
This world gets scarier and scarier!

Judi , Bronxville, NY

Winston Churchill would turn over in his grave if he could hear this. Teach facts and ignore those who may be offended.

Robert A. Cohen, Venice, Florida, USA

This is playing right into the hand of those Muslims who are
and have been denying the Holocaust (as a Zionist ploy) for
the last 60 years. All the Islamic countries are teaching this
as a hoax to all of their people. It is a constant propaganda
in the Muslim world, that the Jews have created this "myth"
to forster their right to exist, especially in the middle east, in
Israel. All teachers must be encouraged to teach the truth
of history, regardless how painful that truth may be.
Please DO NOT abandon the TRUTH.

Rita Fuller, USA, USA

Your kidding right? TSchools should keep the holocaust in. Sorry that some Muslims might not agree....I am dissapointed in the British school system for making that choice.

Carolyne, Lincoln, RI USA

Sanitizing history and selectively teaching history topics is
censourship that is a disservice to all. If we are to learn the
lessons of history then we must first learn the facts.
Interpretations of history reflect the values of a society and
seeks to understand the reasons for past events.
Immigrants from other religions
and societies must learn there are other views of history often
quite different from their traditional teachings.

Teachers who delete the Crusades and the Holocaust perpetuate
anti-western views by their silence. They are failing in their
duty as educators and as citizens. Such ignorance only adds to t
the dangers of this world

Ronald M. Wilson, Westmeath, Canada

Why don't you lot get your facts right before rushing into print. It's just another urban myth.

Doug, Perth, Australia

That's just a shame! how can you drop Holocaust lessons to avoid offence?? Why not dropping another lessons like math? nobody likes math! or better: why not dropping History lessons? that's boring and can offend too, you know.
That's the stupidest I idea I've ever heard!!
Shame the school.

Shai Alon, Tel Aviv, ISRAEL

What do muslims have to do with this any way? They were not there, they are not part of that history really. And for them to have the insanity and audacity of "being offended" by something that did unfortunately happen in history is ignorant and preposterous. Most of my family was killed by the Nazis, and should I or other jews or non-jews worry about the feelings of muslims that cannot accept a fact of history???

Teachers should not have the authority to change or ignore history. They can't assume responsibility for others, they just have to teach ALL history as it happened to ALL students. Would the muslims like it if their religious leaders started changing and ignoring facts of their koran? Would christians like it if parts of the new testament were erased? Would we like to not have available the complete old testament? Or would hindus like it to not have access to the bagavad gita?

All history must be mandatory in school texts everywhere, regardless of who attends. It is a right.

E. Haberman, San Francisco, USA

I have news for all of you in the United States ... you need to ask questions of the schools that your children attend. Even though topics like the Holocaust and WWII appear in the table of contents of a history book, that does not mean that the teacher is actually discussing those topics with factual understanding in the classroom. It is amazing how slim the offerings are in the books on such important historical events like the 20th century world wars, the economic depressions of the late 19th century and early 20th, and the great social movement from after the Civil War through the early 20th century. But the problem is compounded by teachers who gloss over difficult eras if they lack education in it, and some give tough topics like the Holocaust little time because it makes THEM uncomfortable to even talk about it. There are great teachers who fill the bill, but there are more who focus too much on current events and leave history to the ages.

Doreen, Austin, Texas

in addition to everythint being said, who would even be offended? anti-semites? germans? muslims? the germans have accepted their history and have already taken responsibility. the anti-semitics....they are just fools who are blind to reality. if we catered out world so that people of intolerence wouldn't be offended we might as well submit right now

Vbadim Brand, Detroit, USA

A teacher who ignores consequential facts, to please "certain pupils" or their parents, does not deserve the name of "teacher." A school that allows (perhaps prefers) such teaching — for "certain pupils" or for all of them — does not deserve the name of "school." An educational authority that manages such schools, and hires and retains such teachers, does not deserve the name of "educational authority."an education that teaches children to know less of the world than their parents knew (or, at any rate, teaches children to know not one whit more than their parents and neighbors care to let them know) does not deserve the name of "education." Does the UK have a compulsory education act? If so, perhaps concerned UK citizens could bring legal action against these teachers, schools, and educational authorities —on the grounds that these persons and organizations have contravened the act by rearing children in ignorancewhile pretending to educate them.

Kate Gladstone, Albany, New York, USA

It is unthinkable that an advanced society such as hours allows for such intellectual backsliding. It is the responsibility of educators to teach everything there is about history, the sciences, and the arts. How dare some teachers deprives students of the truth! They should be ashamed of themselves and the uneducated and ignorant generation that they are helping to rear.

Dmitry Krivochenitser, west Bloomfield, Michigan

If we do not teach the holocaust in it's entirety we can not guarentee that history will not repeat itself.

Dale Hunt, Ashley, Ohio

Teaching world history is what enables people to become free thinkers. When we hide important topics such as this we are creating a whole new set of problems. I would believe that this issue is probably in the minority when it comes to thinking and teaching, however; when we stifle the truth for to long it becomes lost and lies become truth. If a topic such as this, offends you - it should. It should especially offend you if your people where apart of the original problem, however; a wise man faces his mistakes and chooses to make amends for future generations. The key to improving our world is knowledge of what we did in the past, and making sure we don't make the same mistakes in the future.

B Jones, Phoenix, AZ

I am amazed, stunned and very upset about this. History is History and like and Mr Wollongong says above: "The last time the world refused to speak up in case it offended people... it was called the Holocaust". This is outrageous and very worrying. I sincerely hope this stops and teachers deliver History lessons as they are explaining how things happen, obviously in an impartial and objective manner.

Janet, Mexico City, Mexico

Teaching of the Holocaust is compulsory in English schools at Key Stage 3 [ages 11 to 14]. It will remain so in the new KS3 curriculum from September 2008.
If denial in schools was the policy, do you not think this would have been a larger issue rather than the petty little email rumour that it is ?
The report is highlighting a possible shortcoming of some teachers. It is not saying this is the policy in the UK.
The responses to this article do, however, indicate that the education system does have its shortcomings when it comes to comprehension and critical thinking.

Jez Arthur, London, UK

George Santayana wrote: "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Holocaust denials are preparing for a new Holocaust. The whole civilized world must stand up to prevent it.

Micha Ben-Efraim, Kfar Vradim, Israel

Teaching the whole truth of History is truly important. Leaving substantial parts of history out of the textbooks and lessons should not be tollerated in any democracy. It reminds me of how the Iron curtain country textbooks must have read after WWII. Teaching the Holocaust is a very important lesson for all sufferers at the hands of the Nazi's, however it is even more so important for the Jews. Please remember what accomplishments in Science, Art, Thearte, Music, Math, and many other fields Jews have made. Then teach that the Holocaust killed nearly Half the Jews on the planet. Imagine how much better the world could have been with twice as many contributors to these fields. No other victim group of the holocaust suffered by percentage as much as the Jews. So if we want to throw away those history lessons, then maybe we should also throw away Motorola Cell phones, Atomic weapons, Penicillin and so many other contributions to our societies.
Don't cave!

Dave, melville, ny

I'd really be interested in knowing what "race or religion" is offended by teachings about the Holocaust. As far as I can see, it must be the "race or religion" that contends that the Holocaust didn't happen. Otherwise, what is controversial about informing young minds about what happens when human beings let their racist hatred become an ideology that stifles all human compassion and leads to the death of millions? The 'race or religion' that denies the Holocaust needs to rooted out of their minds by teaching them the truth.

Naomi Ragen, Jerusalem, Israel

This should not be ignored. I will challenge my children's school should they decide to follow in that direction...

Lucy, Manchester, , United Kingdom

Remember the last time the world refused to speak up in case it offended people? It was called the Holocaust.

Craig, Wollongong, Australia

Is this country going completely mad. History is history and it cannot be changed. As for offending sections of the community, most of whom would appear to have an immigrant background, if people come to this country, legally or otherwise, they must accept our culture, warts and all.

When visiting other countries, with differing cultures, we adopt their code of practice and dress, so as not to offend. We are a tolerant nation, perhaps too much so on occasions, and those who chose to come and live here must be tolerant too.

Alan Nichols, Woking, Surrey

I suppose they'll fill the resulting hole in the curriculum with "Intelligent Design", to offset Evolution? I'm not Jewish, but I dated a woman in 1977 who's father still bore his camp ID number tattooed on his forearm. He survied Buchenwald, Auschwitz, and Bergen-Belsen, miraculously, as a small child. The Nazi's came to their home in France one night and took the family away - that was the last time they saw their parents. He survived the infamous winter death march as the Nazis evacuated survivors in front of the allied advance - because they wanted no one left alive to tell the tale. The SS had orders to shoot anyone - Nazi Soldier or Jew prisoner, who could not keep up. As he put it in the final line of a short memoir "the machine guns never stopped all night." But machine-gunning those people did not prevent the survivors, and the camps themselves, from telling their grim story of atrocity and genocide. Remember: unpopular speech should be the most protected speech of all.

Scott Keck, San Francisco, California

I have heard about this through an email sent to me just now .I live in Tasmania, Australia.
I just did not believe what I read so I googled the subject, to find it is true! What is wrong with the world. Where is the tolerance.GONE is what I say! Christians and Muslims alike have done atrotious things in the past and both sides should be remembered. The Holocaust happened, the eviidence is there. Millions of Russians died in WWII as well and plenty of Muslims are dying now in Iraq so please teach our children both sides, and dont hide the truth. We will never forget ALL the fallen.

Maryanne Skitt, Hobart, Australia

What next, a demand that Magna Carta not be taught in our schools, and be replaced with Sharia Law. When I was a youngster the saying went "East is East and West is West and ner the twain shall meet". How right that is proving to be. Maybe Muslims should make a decision, accept they choose to live in a predominantly Christian country, or choose not to and find a country that is a predominantly Muslim. I dont think Muslim countries allow Christians any say on what they teach in their schools, or what they are allowed to wear.

kwood, Centennial, CO, USA

History is history. Not talking about it doesn't mean it didn't happen. It might ensure it happens again.

Debra Kessler, New York, NY

I dont see how anyone could say that the holocaust never happened? the german government is paying the jews money now for what happened. why would hey just give money to these people if they thought the never did anything?

Cydney, Texarkana, Texas

THe world's history is what it is. If can not and must not be ignored. To do so is to do a grave injustice to the younger generations of children in our world. Ignorance of one cluture does not mean that we should spread it to all others. SHAME on the UK for allowing this to happen to its school children.

SP, Seattle,

Hiding the truth does not protect the minority a teacher is trying to protect. The Holocaust and Crusades were real events. Besides six million Jews, millions others were killed by Hitler's henchmen. The Crusades were religious in nature. Having a Christian, British perspective is not wrong. Sadly, while Christians appear to be far more accepting of other's beliefs, Muslims look upon all others not believing as they do as Infidels, pigs, dogs, etc. Why in the name of political correctness, must we cowtow to those who would never consider respecting our beliefs, though different from their own. In case anyone wonders, I am not Christian, but respect Christians very much!

Robert, Thousand Oaks, USA/California

The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly - it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over.

Joseph Goebbels

THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST. THERE WAS NO HOLOCAUST

Is it working?

Arthur, Dallas, Texas, USA

My fellow teachers: it is your moral obligation to show your students the light, as harsh as that light might be! Teaching half-truths, or neglecting altogether important facts, is tantamount to desecrating the common history of mankind & cheating the living.

As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, with relatives & friends from various continents and faiths, I am saddened and disgusted by such a hostile takeover of your great country and its institutions by a band of medieval, backward-thinking, often suicidal brutes, in their quest to Islamicize the planet. As in North America, Africa, & much of Europe, England is being pressured to cave in to demands by Muslim extremists to replace enlightened principles of democracy, truth, fairness, and progressiveness for their xenophobic view of the world.

This is both a case of recently arrived guests mistreating their gracious hosts, and 2nd-generation Muslims being brainwashed or poorly raised by their immigrant parents.

Canadian teacher, Montreal, Canada

It's terribly sad, and worrying, that those who most desperately need to hear the opposing voice to their own indoctrinators are hijacking the agenda. British education should take this as a signal to redouble its efforts, not relent in the face of bias and hatred. if education isn't about "shifting and challenging thinking", then what is?

Bruce, Sydney, Australia

This is extremely offensive to me.History is history.If we dilute or ignore it,we are doomed to repeat it.This really frightenes me.Also I,m

tired of having my beliefs,my conserns &
my heritage repressed for fear of hurting others
who have no problem in insisting their
beliefs be recognised.

Mary, Sudbury, Canada

How is it possible to relegate the mass extermination of the Jews to the trash heap when last Monday night Jewish Holocaust survivors told their harrowing stories of capture, escape and hiding from the Nazis, in synagogues and centers all across the world, to honor the 6 million ? Does anyone deny the Pol Poht's killing of one million Cambodians or the millions of Japanese killed and injured by the bombing of Hiroshima? Now more than ever is the time right to keep alive their stories through the next generation of young writers and artists. Never forget!

Jeanette Walowitz, Great Neck, , New York, USA

The fact that people are not teaching about the Holocaust to appease those that deny it happened is sickening. Teachers who refuse to include it in their curriculum should be fired. Administrators who refuse to have teachers teach about it should be fired. Politicians who pass laws requiring that the Holocaust not be taught in schools should be removed/ and or voted out from office.

If it is the official policy of the UK not to teach about the Holocaust, then I need never to set foot in the UK again.

Sherry Kessel, Carrollton, Texas

This is the most ridiculous article I have ever read. If you don't lean from the past, it wil happen and is happeing again now. Surviors are few and will not be able to tell their stories for long, and they must have their say on the horrible things that happened to them.

Margaret Wilonsky, Dallas, TX.

im 14 and we are studing the holocaust and people in england are just dumb if they take it out of their schools systems have problems

Tatiana , Bedford/TX,

This is a Sin to have an important piece of history wiped off the books just because it is not a popular subject or inconvenient. History ignore is destined to repeat itself. I lost respect for British education for this decision.

Daniel Gonik, Houston, Texas

This news article has me extremely concerned for the future of our country. The fact that teachers are shying away from teaching 'contentious subjects' is nothing short of disgraceful. It is the role of teachers to address such integral periods of history - history can in no way be offensive, it is fact! If schools are to stop teaching sensitive subjects, where will the line be drawn? surely every subject is sensitive to someone, somewhere! I am also personally saddened by the inevitable neglect of the subject of the Holocaust. This is a time that students need to be aware of - we must learn the lessons of the past, and it is in childhood that these lessons of understanding and tolerance towards all people from all backgrounds must be taught. The Holocaust is one of many periods in history where integral lessons of understanding can be obtained and passed on - it is not a subject to be avoided. Teachers need to make a stand for education. Historical fact can never be offensive.

Laura Henley, Pontypridd, Wales

Even one is far too many schools not teach the truth. What a disgrace.
Hatred is being taught by those in denial and by removing historical data from the schools we are condoning the radicals who have made our world into an unsafe and frightening place.

Magentta, Fullerton, CA, USA

I couldn't believe it wasn't a hoax! I googled it and all the UK newspapers are carrying the story. Unbelievable cowardice and disregard for the truth; on top of total disrespect for all those who gave and lost their lives in the greatest evil of the 20th Century! My suggestion is to respond to it by writing to all the media in the English speaking world. I for one am going to send this to the Times. Shame on the educators, theirs and ours who would prefer political cowardice to truth. " The TRUTH shall make you free" but freedom has a price which millions paid to achieve for us. And we are being tested yet again. Will we fail where our forefathers stood the test? Woe to our children and grandchildren when we don't learn the lessons of history.

Toni Briscoe, Floresville, Texas

Neville Chamberlain would be proud of Britain's decision to appease a radical minority by removing the history of the holocaust from the U.K school curriculum. Unfortunately, Winston Churchill and the hundreds of thousand of British troops and civilians who died or sacrificed because of Chamberlain's appeasement would be deeply ashamed.
I guess that cowardice has again prevailed. Let's hope that the price of learning courage this time, is less than that of WWII.

AC West Newbury, MA

Arnold Cohen, West Newbury, MA

As a child of a survivor, I am offended by the denial of WW2 and why it was being fought. What reasons are being given for the slaughter of innocents? It is unimaginable that anyone who lives in Europe can say or believe that the Holocaust did not happen. The buildings and, coins, and books that exist today, from the late 1930's to 1945 are testament to the fact that merely denying will not make it go away. To give in to deniers or worry about the effect human errors have on the current populations with regard to their history is simply wrong. We humans make mistakes. I believe we attept to learn from these errors in judgement by teaching history. History should not be watered down, should not be taught with bias (as difficult as that may be), and must be taught as factually as possible and with proof from books, pictures, and artifacts of the era gone by. No one wants to hear how wrong, inhumane or cruel, their family or heritage is. We are only human. We learn from mistakes.

Robert Nebel, Hauppauge, NY/USA,

I've received multiple emails relating to this issue, and I don't usually believe it but I did some research and to my dismay it is true. All I know from my own education is that the holocaust is part of human history not just the Jewish nation. Jews were not the only ones persecuted and regardless, Jews or not, we are all considered infidels by the Muslim nation, Jews are not the only targets, and the UK is playing right into their hands. Siding with the biggest bully on the playground thinking that your (UK) safety is guaranteed is probably the biggest mistake in your history God help you all for your ignorance and passiveness and the price that one day you will realize you paid dearly for....and that is your history maybe we will ignore to teach it some day.

Sam , Toronto, Canada

Wow! Has the modern world become Uber-PC, or what? I've read through most of the comments and I agree with most. We, as a human race, have become SO easy to offend. Without learning from EVERYONE'S mistakes, it will happen again. Hello, Darfur?! The whole conflict in the former Yugoslavia?! Wasn't it the muslims that were being eradicated? History MUST be taught and learned!! Good or bad!!! I wonder if the teachers who were afraid to offend those student realize that they offended all the Holocaust survivors. Besides, how can these muslims say it didn't happen. The Nazis took care of that. They documented almost everything they did!

Hm, I wish our future a "good luck" if this has become our way of teaching.

Daniele, Rockville, MD, USA

I have seen several articles, books etc. recently that ask the question, "where have all the leaders gone". In order for us to avoid the mistakes made by mankind throughout history, we must thoroughly study those mistakes and understand what lead to the decisions and actions that harmed others. Unfortunately, the "why" of what occured throughout history is going to be offensive to a certain segment of our population. Too bad! Leaders need to stand up to opposition that is usually advanced by a small but determined minority and recognize that the good of mankind is better served by uncovering and studying all of the flaws of our past and correcting those flaws through thorough and forthright analysis and corrective action. The silent majority needs to take on more of a leadership role so that the opinions of few do not become the practice for all.

Mike T. Columbus, OH

Mike T., Columbus,

This is very disturbing, our world must continue to teach and expose young teens and adults the painful lessons we have faced in the past to insure that we the human race do not repeat the mistakes of those before us. It is most important in unsettled times no mater who or what group of people may be offend. That is History and we are thought of as civilized people. Educators cannot burry slavery, or the terrible things in Africa because it may offend blacks, or whites. You cannot burry the teaching of Winston Churchil or the nazi movement, because it may offend the german population today... lets not burry what happened to the jews and other minorities living in europe because it may make muslums or other groups uncomforable. there will always be disagreements amongst groups, the problem is how far a group is willing to go to be supreem. the USA is also troubling today, I am not proud to be american at this moment in history please teach the truth as it.

Dennis Wheeler, Miami, citizen of the world

Well the country of strong back bones and stiff upper lips has finally joined France and the EU in becoming as wishy washy and thin skinned as they are! I suppose the next step will be to re-write History and take people like Nelson, Montgomerie, Churchill, etc, etc out of the teachings of this new breed of educators!
Its a sad day indeed!

Stephen Hopwood, Clearwater, USA/Florida

Those who do not know their past are condemned to repeat it.
Those who do not know their history are condemned to repeat it.
Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.

Björgvin, Copenhagen,

Placating these guys won't do anything for the UK. It will come down to them making demands upon the government which is what has happened in Indonesia where they've attempted to force everyone, even Hindus, to live under Sharia law... Unless the UK wishes to be part of Osama Bin Laden's caliphate, then it should be life as usual without placating.....
Let's all start developing a backbone in every country or else they will gain more ground!!

Anne, The Great Midwest, USA

Will we stop teaching students that the world is round because some students may hold absurd conceptions that it's flat? Isn't the idea of education to educate? If the UK teachers are not able to challenge students of bigoted parents, then there is a need to improve the curriculum, not drop it.

Brian, Birmingham,

The whole damned world is sick. We must teach to avoid the same mistakes bu Others

F D B low, Outer Banks , USA

Why don't you make your women cover their faces "not to offend Muslim population". This is just a start. This is Muslem attack on world civilizations and cultures. Cancer of some sort.

Inna, Toronto, Canada

It is appalling that any ONE, let alone a religion, can RE-WRITE history. The Holocaust should offend all people because of its extreme degradation of and to human beings, therefore, Muslims are not special in their offense to the genocide of the Jews or any human beings. However, wiping it from history will only feed their need for omnipresence in their belief systems.

There are currently many fanatical Muslim religious leaders who spew and wash the brains of their believers with religious dogma that "fatwah", the killing of non-believers in the name of THEIR god is THEIR god's edict/. Who should be more offended? Is the "fatwah" religious leaders of the Muslim religion who call for the deaths of any who do not believe in their religion or is it those who call for reverence to heal through knowledge that millions of humans were killed by Hitler's evil regime.

If the world historians should erase the history of the Muslim religion in all history books would this be right?

T Kay, The Oaks, California

It is shocking to think that a country as great as the UK would bow to biased pressure and agree to censor history simply because some people feel uncomfortable with historical facts. This is truely the thin edge of the wedge - what will be next? Under no circumstances can this be permitted......

Peter M, Vancouver, BC, Canada

If you object to censoring history in this dreadful manner and you are a UK citizen then sign this petition to Downing Street:http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/theholocaust/

Barbara , London, UK

that is disgusting, the world seems to be ready to roll over and die and let the islamic extremist take over....WAKE UP PEOPLE>>>>they say that there are only 10% of muslims are extremists and about 30% of others are supporters and like another 10-20% are sympathizers, there are 1.2 billion muslims, do the math.. thats at least one extremist for each person in the us population..

jake, brooklyn, ny

History is the good and the bad - we must teach the new generation both in order to make them undersand where we've evolved from. History is our past and if we avoid certain subjects just to be politically correct, what does that say for our interpretation of the 'present'? History is taught to students old enough to understand that there is more than 'black and white' and that we must learn from the mistakes of our past.

fanya, Moshav Avihayil, Israel

To the "offended" individuals and/or groups, I say "get over it." History happens and if you can't recognize or choose to ignore the truth you're doomed to repeat it. Truth and honesty on issues can only lead to positive debate if all sides will respect the others views, maybe then will the real facts be known.

Robert Elliott, Monument, Colorado

so it is wrong to offend muslim students- but OK to ignore the Jewish studens' feeling... what has changed! British teachers had better stick to their calling- TEACH and pass on knowledge- not hide it!!
teacher

rubinstein, metulla, israel

This is quite disgusting !!!- which brainless pc IDIOT has chosen to offend SO many millions ???!!! What is this country coming to?! It HAS to be stopped! Has the government completely lost it's mind?! If this goes ahead they MUST lose the next election (and I am /was a labour man!)

Bart Lelyveld, twickenham, UK

How can you stop teaching the Holocaust?! This is despicable. People MUST teach the Holocaust. Mankind needs to learn from its mistakes and by not teaching the Holocaust one is creating an environment that will allow for the breeding of ignorance and eventually racism and hatred. Once again, this is despicable!

GG, Toronto,

absolutely appalling. disgraceful. i'm totally speechless that not teaching ANY historical event because of 'offence' to ANY race / religion / creed / nationality, could even be considered.

next, no german or japanese aggression in WWll, no rawandan genocide...

who exactly came up with this idea, and was it subject to public discussion?

leslie wand, blandford, australia

History is history. You can't change it or pretend it didn't exist or happen, good or bad. I guess the bombing in London and the airplanes hitting the TT's on 9-11 in New York didn't really occur. Must have been our imaginations!! Quit giving in!!!!! The Mayan calendar has the world ending in 2012. I sometimes think we are on that path. Oh wait - that's history. What am I thinking???

Terri, Columbus, Ohio - USA

Cowardice is not a quality I have ever associated with the people of England. Yet to balk at the teaching about the Crusades, or the racism and xenophobia that led to the Holocaust seems nothing less than that.

Shall the U.S. not teach about slavery? Shall Canada hide from what was done to its Native populations? Whether a minority population is indigenous or immigrant, shall we hide from the truth of our actions, or those of our ancestors, to shield ourselves from the discomfort they may feel?

Why has context been abandoned in the name of sensitivity? How can you abdicate your responsibility to allow the events of the past confer their message: sectarian violence has, is and always will be a tragedy.

Bethany, Vancouver, Canada

If, we don't teach history as written we will lose our national identity and then our freedoms as we know them. It's bad enough already that we have young people that don't know where they are on the planet.

johnie, independence, mo

Our children have the same right to history education as we did. About time that was recognised.

Elaine Fuller, Newport, South Wales

Absolutely insane!!!!

Alex, Houston, tX

When I lived in North Collge Hill, a suburb of Cincinnati Ohio, one of my next-door neighbors was a man who had been a tank driver in Patton's Third Army.

He told me about the time his platoon shot their way (against guards) into one of the earliest-released concentration camps.

He said that seeing all the bodies stacked around didn't bother him; he was used to that. What did bother him a great deal was the number of surviving prisoners who had been mutilated by guards. It included cutting off noses, ears, and tongues and gouging out of eyes.

I have read that the Germans themselves now have laws which make it illegal to claim in any way that the holocaust did not happen.

Stanley Skirvin, Scottsdale, AZ

When will the human race learn that even if you're ashamed of something that happened,you wish it didn't happen...denying it happened to anyone else will never ever take away the fact that it DID.
Removing this from history lessons and history books doesn't change that it happened,and never will...and it won't change the fact that so many people died for no reason other than being themselves, it won't change how many people died in battle, when fighting for us.....try telling this all to the poor people who suffered,or have relatives who suffered...

It makes me sick to think sometimes that Britain does bend over backwards way too much...all to do what? Be a coward...thats what. Instead of admitting something happened like an adult,...you'd rather wipe it out...pretend it didn't happen....the cowards way out.If thats a way of teaching,you're looking at a very dull future.

Liz Heaven, Newport, Wales,UK

Offending? The teaching of history is the only way that we have today to prevant its reborn in our modern, or as it seems not that modern, times. As a citizen of Germany it will be offending not to teach the history of my nation as it realy took place. the Holocaust was very real, so real that the pain and tears of the inocent people who died there still gives me nightmares when i sleep.

David Reiner, Grimsby town,

Hey while we're on the subject (history is still an actual subject right?) lets eliminate the Revolutionary War--don't want to offend the brits and hey when can 9/11 be erased from our memories it really upsets me.

Daniel, Los Angeles, CA--USA

Looks like some of the Brits have lost their vaunted courage. First their COMMANDOS whimp out in Iran, just to save their butt, and embarrass their military leaders, then their "educationalist" whimp out to the PC crowd and Muslim pressure. Hey, the holocaust happened! It is proven and documented history. We should never forget what a nation can be seduced to. But, what am I saying... the Brits are now being seduced to meekly roll over tfor the Muslim fanatical fringe. Way to go Old Blighty, Nelson is rolling over in his wine barrel with you.

Ben Bergwerf, Charleston, USA

We can sugar coat the history lessons but we will be forced to relive the lessons the hard way through personal experience.

Rob Zimmerman, Barrigada, Guam

I'm so tired of hearing that History offends certain groups of people. I suppose in 50 years we are going to change history again for the "Muslim Americans" who will claim the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York never happened. History is History. The only thing we can learn from it is to hopefully not repeat it.
Try telling my grandmother that her brother, my mothers uncle really didn't die 1 month after being released from a concentration camp in Germany. She still has pictures of what he looked like upon his release.
Diversity is okay and I believe everyone has a right to say and believe whatever they want but this is outrageous.
Any school board that is intimidated by pressure to change history perhaps needs to remember 9/11 and the faces of the victims. Try telling them "this History" didn't happen and then they need to remember the victims / hero's of other wars and keep the history books intact. Their lives matter and their story needs to be told.

Mary , Jacksonville , Florida

History is history, war and hatred are all part of human nature, you can't pick and chose what to teach kids about just in case you offend them, that's just rediculous!
Hitler and the SS tortured and killed Jews, it's all common knowledge, all that will happen by teaching them about it in schools is that their understanding of the event will be heightened and it will be actual knowledge rather than speculation that they have already.
If anyone wishes to express disapproval of what we teach in our own country, they know where the ferry leaves from and they know how to get on one! Has nobody heard of the phrase that goes "When in Rome..." well those who havent should be aware that it finishes off "...do as the Romans do" it does NOT end "...make Rome bend down and kiss your ass!"
I don't want my son's education limited because someone MIGHT be offended!! Someone needs to wake up before its too late!! I can see bad things on the horizon if this carries on!!

Matt Pearson, Newport, South Wales

I belive this is something that should not be removed from schools or forgotten to accomidate someone else. Its a fact of life this took place and both england an canada refused to get involved in the begining and refuse refugees. You just cannot hide facts of this in humane act.

Paul Melanson, Fredericton NB, Canada

The NEA is so far left in its attitude they would deny anything that it supposes might cause dissension even before it happens.
I would like to hear from their leaders why they do NOT condemn such behavior and if not what is their official issuance to their members.

Harold Passes, Bethesda, MD /USA

The NEA is so far left in its attitude they would deny anything that it supposes might cause dissension even before it happens.
I would like to hear from their leaders why they do NOT condemn such behavior and if not what is their official issuance to their members.

Harold Passes, Bethesda, MD /USA

I am currently working on my master's in International Education and I am very concerned with including all cultures into the classroom, but this is ridiculous. They are so worried about offending the Muslim population, what about all the Jewish and Christian human beings who died during the Holocaust. Are thier lives and deaths not worth learning about. The schools are no longer offending the Muslims, but are no offending everybody else in the country.

A, NY,

Was the rape of Nanjing going to be excluded as well? How about the Inquisition. What about the expulsion of Native Americans from their homes during the 20th century? What about the Japanese Internment Camps? All of these events are emotional, yet we teach them because they happened. Why is the holocaust or the crusades any different?

Allyson Storm, San Mateo, CA

I find it sad that true and real history that effected not only Jews, but rather an entire planet would be removed to please or not offend a particular group. Human history is dirty, violent, and sad and needs to be taught without emotional attachment or shame. I urge teachers to remember why they started teaching in the first place and to continue teaching what is true rather than what is popular.

Vered Mares, Anchorage, USA, Alaska

Yup (with all the sarcasm in place)! If the race of "superhumans" wasn't even alive to carry out "what arguably didn't happen" then it must be time to erase Darwin from the books too since there could be no explanation for how they "developed".

F. R. Sherman, Long Island, New York,

This is pathetic and Britain should be ashamed. There was once a day when people would stand up for whats right.

Pathetic Politicians, Los Angeles, CA

History is something that has happened in the past, it's not an opinion but an event that is taught in school. Nothing to get offended on, as long as schools and teachers stick to the facts and not their own version of history or opinion about it. In history almost everyone has been at war with everyone so in the end everyone could be offended, why not skipping the history subject from schools.....absurd

Annie, Amsterdam, Netherlands

It is ridiculous to try and sanitize history for the benefit of a few groups. History is what it is. Period. I am not always proud of what my government or racial group has done in the past and present. But it doesn't mean that I am made to be ashamed of myself or that it should not be taught. If we forget then we run the risk of allowing it to happen again. Also, if I go to live in a foreign country I do not expect that country to change to fit my needs, on the contrary, I am expected to adapt to that countries culture. We should not cater to any group. It dilutes our strengths and our culture.

Melissa, Irmo, South Carolina

If the Moslems are offended, have them return to their own country, where they can preach anything they want. Why should our children be robbed of the learning, and the knowledge, the fruits of a full and rounded education, regardless of how distateful the subject. History is a fundamental learning experience and should be taught to all children. If they don't know what happened once, how are they to learn from the mistakes made, how are they to avoid making the same follies?.

Chas Espin, Deltona, , USA, Fl

hey len: be careful, saying things critical about the govt might get you into Gitmo, with the current people! I suggest you keep voting for them!

andrew, fresh meadows,

we are the most politically correct country on earth. cant even sneeze without apologising for our sins.

if this move was because it doesnt offend muslims, like most articles claim, then that is pathetic. so what if they deny the holocaust, IT HAPPENED. Get with the program. And who are you to deny it. It doesnt matter what you think, no one cares.

Im sick and tired of this country ever so slowly, bending over backwards for the muslim religion over the countries state religion (christianity). Changing this for them, doing that for them. Its all controversial stuff... Why not give some time to religions who, on the whole, dont have this eternal, futile hatred inside of themselves. Perhaps a religion that doesnt blow themselves up and kill hundreds of people.

You will see the skyline of the UK covered in mosques one day. This may look like a racist message but Im just fed up about how everyone has to kiss their asses. But I guess, inside, everyone is racist. Dont show it though...!

John Doe, London, United Kingdom

One does not drop the mathematics syllabus because teachers are ill-prepared. If one's teachers lack the skills to teach fact-based history then give them those skills. What is offensive about teaching fact? This is not religion, this is history... European history mind-you.

Ryan Janks, Cape Town, South Africa

That's a shame for the English people. This is history not politic.
I am half French-Half Cambodian and it feels to me that it would be like one day we stop talking about the genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouges from 75 to 79.
As a student in France it was a lesson that we had in History class. You remember it, judge it and at the end if you are a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew or a Buddhist, this is something that nobody whish to happen again.
But Religions has always be the cause of the biggest amount of death in history. It is suppose to be a source of peace and harmony and for the good but now it became a weapon of mass destruction. So the English decide to enrich this hate with this new step...one we will remember as well as all the people who died during the WWII.

David Phang
Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

David Phang, Phnom Penh, Cammbodia

We do not stop teaching the Bible as literature because it may offend religious non-believers in class. History is history, and we must continue to teach "hot button topics" like the Inquisition, Hiroshima, the Crusades, and all other difficult and sensitive subjects.

If teachers are uncomfortable and ill-prepared, especially in grade school, then train and prepare them. Dropping what teachers perceive to be controversial and uncomfortable topics is not the answer. It is precisely for those reasons that they SHOULD be taught. We must teach students to think, to debate, to discuss, and not protect them from what for them might be an emotional topic.

Or are teachers protecting themselves? It's easier not dealing with emotional subjects, easier not studying, researching, preparing. That the Holocaust was dropped from the curriculum because it makes Moslem children uncomfortable and teachers feel incompetent is absolutely wrong. It belongs back in the curriculum.

judith portnoy, great neck, new york

As a granddaughter of survivors, I think it is horrifying and undemocratic to exclude anyone's history from the books. We learn from each others' achievements and disasters; the Crusades and the Holocaust chief among the political and ethnic disasters of this past millenium. Deleting tragedies from history books makes it easier to deny that they happened, or that similar events can happen in the future. We are a global community...what happens in one corner of the world will eventually affect us all. Keep education and access to information available to us all. Don't decide for us what we need to know.

Miriam Epstein, Ithaca, New York

The holocaust was not a myth. There is evidence and records and horrific stories that show it happened! Regardless of people's feelings it is history and history must be taught so it never repeats itself!!

Hillary, Chicago, USA

I had an German step daughter-in-law. Numerous of her German friends visited us over a several years span. I was completely PUT OUT when they knew nothing about the lead up to & WW2. They said the time period was completely taken out of their history books ---- just as if it never happened. As best I could; I talked to her Mother on her several visits ----- she would not discuss her going thru
WW2 in Germany.
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY WRONG -----
Several generations have been wiped out/ignored in history by the so called leaders of Germany.

Charlie, Boynton Beach, Florida --- USA

I am so tired of history being rewritten because someone might be offended. I was raised Jewish but do not hate all Germans, Italians or Japanese. I am tired of giving in to the Moslem population. if they feel offended that is their problem. No more revisionism. History is history.

Sarah Israel, Huntsville, Alabama

The Holocaust and the Crusades and other horrific events must be taught. It is part of the world we live in. We are a diverse world. So many of us seek to understand and embrace each other. We must acknowledge the good and the bad in all cultures.

E Nickles, Columbus,

History is history and unfortunately some aspects of it might be offensive to certain nationalities or ethnic groups. However, does that mean that anything that has the potential to offend needs to be removed or deleted from texts??? I am afraid if we lean to far toward any group' s censoring of what they find offensive we will end up with a distored version of history. People or ethnic groups can make up their own minds as to what to accept or what not to---but at least give everyone that choice rather than doing it for them by censoring what goes into textbooks.

Robin Kreves, Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas

I am English but do not live in UK. I've seen nothing on the BBC TV news I get .or teletext. However if it is true, whether it is the whole UK or only one school, the argument is the same. On the reasoning of not wanting to 'offend' a certain group, why not remove Hitler and Naziism from schools where there might be some German pupils? And while we/re at it, why are we still teaching about the slave trade? That might offend white British descendants of UK people who had something to do with it. It is ludicrous. All history should be taught, the good and the bad. I am not offended, only saddened, by what some of 'my' people have done before me. People who think this way should not be teachers. (ex-teacher)

Pat Cove, Torød, Norway

This is just another sad example of what is happening in our country today, now to avoid offending the ethnic minority we need to avoid telling our pupils our world history.

Brad Willis, Bath, GB

Maybe people should open their eyes and realize that voting for Democrats and voting for Republicans is practically the same; you end up with a screwed up version of the USA.

madsci30, gresham,

Apparently the people in the UK are adopting the sentiments of their cousins across the pond; how sad. I thought we in the U.S. were the only ones infected by this "virus."

Jeff Martlink, Crete, USA/IL

Hey, keep voting for Democrats and we will have this in the US soon!

Len, Ringoes, NJ

Failure to teach the Holocaust is not only an insult to the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazi, but also to the 400,000 British, 9 million Russian, 250,000 French and 300,000 military who died in the effort to rid the world of Fascism. This is not to forget the 127,000 Commonwealth (including Indian) servicemen who also died.

It is indeed difficult to learn about mankind's inhumanity to itself, but if we do not learn from the past, how are we going to avoid future obscenities.

Germany did not shy from teaching its children about the Holocaust, and is a much stronger democracy for it.

Moreover, the Holocaust was a Christian thing. Very few Moslems, if any, were directly involved, so why should Moslem children feel offended? Perhaps the real reason for their discomfort is Darfur, where Moslems are involved.

Sam M, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Jerry Grey - well put!

Dan Moni, New York, NY

Not to teach about the hollocoust its like saying that the earth is flat. It will not change the truth but keep the British population ignorant -not for the first time in history. I myself lost my father in that non event. Now again me and my familly are threatend by the Irans and other Muslims to be erased from earth. But the British education system do not want to offend the feelings of the local Muslims by telling them the facts of life.

yudith knoller, tel aviv, israel

Teaching about the effects of war isn't "teaching war." Denying the horror of Hitler and his genocides is in effect praising it with faint damnation.

Japan seems to be successful in erasing memory of the monstrous atrocities it committed in Asia and if Europe forgets its own evils, squeamish teachers and pathological pacifists will not only be morally complicit, they will be increasing the likelihood of a repeat performance.

And what else in history shall we forget next?

Glenn Geist, Hobe Sound, Florida

Shame, no double shame! The atroceties of war should never have happened, but they did. If we do not teach our children the history of war and the horrible results of those wars, how are they going to learn from our mistakes? It is only through these lessons we learn and can truly choose to become pacifists.

Jennifer, Vancouver, Canada

I'm sensitive to any number with a decimal point. Please withdraw any reference to these from education. I think that their real purpose is just to be sneaky and make numbers too long.

Please keep me dumb and away from all things with points to them, points on them and points in them like those numbers which are too sneaky.

I think you will agree, the more pointless you make education the safer the world will be.

I'll sign off now; I have to review my policy on periods.

George Fredlund, Fort Lauderdale, US

"Thosewho cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -poet and philosopher George Santayana.

This is repugnant and wretched.
It's anti-education
The Crusades slaughtered in the name of religion, the Holocaust murdered in the name of race and hate.
Do we deny all the horrors of human history? Will this make us better? No.
This is beyond-shocking coming from the UK government. Will they next fine/arrest those who teach private seminars on the subjects? Parents who buy books for their children?

D. Morden, Los Angeles, CA

This is the Labour Government for you Just what we expect from them.The worst Government ever seen in British History. Regards Flatroofer

Eddie Ward, Llandrindod Wells., Radnor County.

Please do not remove the HOLOCAUST history from text books. That would be insensitive to the world as would the removal of the Crusades. For God's sake, it's our history.

janet duaine, irving, usa texas

Most people here comment on how we're bowing to the whims of a minority group, so as not to offend them. This will only reiforce their almost intollerable beliefs brought about through parent to child Islamic brainwashing. Here's an idea, why don't we bow to the majority group of English students who actually want to learn about their history, their ancestors did fight in the crusades after all.
As an English patriot I would like to thank all those Americans out there who have taken positive interest and concern over Britain's state of affairs, I'm only sorry that the good old British identity is dying. This is a last desperate warning to us, we've got to toughen up, get back in fighting shape, revive our zeal which made us a world power and really get stuck in to the 21st centuary with a vengance.
Cowerdice gone PC, I denounce those pathetic teachers as letting Britain down, they should leave their jobs
It's a pity multiculturalism only works when British culture is left out.

Edward, Wiindsor, United Kingdom

This is absolutely disgusting. By dropping these "controversial" subjects from the curriculum, teachers are not only paving the way for an even more divided student community, but they are basically denying massively significant parts of history. Who are they to decide that children should not be learning such events? What about the millions of people that these events actually affected? That is not only disgracing their memory, but it shows how completely pathetic and incompetent these teachers are. If they do not know enough about such crucial events from history, then what the hell are they doing with a teaching degree in the first place? I think that is the thing to be questioned here.

Danielle, Columbia, Maryland

It is just a sad indictment on the state of UK teaching. If teachers can not be bothered to expand their knowledge of historic topics and present students with facts, we will create a society where the person who shouts the loudest and most consistently will be believed.
Mr Goebbels invented the PR machine for Hitler said that it didn't matter what one said, as long as it was said repeatedly and consistently, people would believe it.

Read George Orwell's 1984, look at what Putin is doing in Russia, look at how slavish the US (and international) media have followed whatever Bush spouted out. Tony Bliar and co are constantly trying to deceive the UK population and so do other politicians in power.

Politicians set the standards teachers follow. Why discuss a difficult topic if you can sweep it under the carpet and have a quiet life? That's what politicians do. No one is willing to defend the truth based on facts any more. Spin it and everybody is happy seems to be the guiding principle

William de Beaufort, Macclesfield, Cheshire

What about protecting the feelings of the rest of us who are not only survivors of this terrible history but are living to make sure that no one ever forgets? I am offended that we would stop teaching such a truthful history because some child's parents (not the child) would be offended. If I close my eyes does it mean that the truth changes? We are now closing our eyes on Darfur even though we promised "NEVER AGAIN!!!"

Kathy, Boca Raton, Florida

Oddly I have seen no evidence of this on the BBC website. I am not sure it is even true. If it is, history is merely fact. It is niether offensive or inoffensive. It simply happened. If we start removing fact from history we will have nothing to teach...therefore, nothing left to learn

Ruet Widdle, Toronto, On Canada

Try as I might, I can't find one good reason for history curricula being dependent on not "offending" people. People need to know what happened so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated in the future.

It is sixty years since the second world war. If people choose, despite all the evidence, not to believe that the Holocaust occurred, that is up to them: we know it did, and every child should be taught that truth. Any teacher who believes otherwise does not deserve the title.

Tasha, London, UK

The report that Schools drop Holocaust lessons to avoid offence is debunked by a hoax site " Rumor has it" at this url

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/holocaust.asp

They claim its " IT IS ONLY ONE HISTORY DEPARTMENT IN A NORTHERN UK CITY " that stopped

They do not quote your web page as a source

This comment is being sent to you on Monday April 16, 2007 - the day on which "Sirens wailed in Israel for 2 minutes at 10 a.m. in memory of six million victims of Nazi terror while communities around the world stood united with the Jewish People at Holocaust remembrance ceremonies"

Seth Abrahams, Bet Shemesh, Israel

Janet Wilder from Queensland, Australia seems to have a very simplistic explanation. She is so blinded by here hatred of Arabs (=> muslims and by the way Janet, Arabs are muslims but all muslims are not Arabs) and I quote "If the Arabs don't like it, the middle east is a large place - go back there! " that she forgot the main subject of this article which is the TEACHERS not the muslims kids (THEY ARE JUST KIDS after all like any other kids). It is the responsability of the teachers to educate them, to open their mind, to teach them tolerance, justice, to teach them to question the system, to think independantly and be able to make their own opinion.
I would be very interested to know how many MUSLIM parents in the UK actually complained about the teaching of the Holocaust in school.
If the TEACHER made this decision on his/her own, then the school administration should have been alerted and investigated. There is a curriculum and it has to be followed.

kareem , Morristown, USA

I think this is dangerous and close to insane if you think about it and certainly lacks deeper understanding of what constitutes an understanding of history. Some of what has happened in History is offensive. Let me repete a large amount of what constitutes history is offensive. So what ? Does that mean we should't look at what happened?
I could say the Crusades never happened or the Holocaust never happened because I do not want to deal with it. Or why not leave out of history how white men went to Africa and stole black people and put them on a boat to work for free as slaves in the United States because it offends white southern land owners. Doesn't that sound absurd? Well it is.
How will we teach the new generation what to avoid unless we teach them what has happened. We will be doomed to repete these horrible actions if we do not teach that they were reprehensible and wrong headed . Clearly, that should not be the criteria.

Suzanne M. Sheridan , Westport, CT

Shame on the GB government!

Mark, Silver Spring, Maryland

I really don't care what muslims think. The holocaust really happened and if the y don't like it well then that is there problem. I have family that were holocaust survivors and they can tell you that is was not fake. By the way Mr. Gray the world doesn't revolve around around you so stop thinking it does. So get off your high horse and grow up. the holocause existed my great grandpa still has nightmares about so try and tell me it is fake.
Yes we should be taught about war and what we as americans have done wrong. everyone makes mistakes. and the best way to stop future mistakes is to learn from our past and learn from our MISTAKES.

Kayleen Gray, Klamath Falls, OR.

All right, I'll start off by saying that I believe the Holocaust existed. And why shouldn't I? Am I to believe that Elie Wiesel, the author of the wonderful book "Night" lied about everything he said? Did he make up every word just for the pity and sorrow of his readers? I highly doubt that. Are we to believe that what American soldiers saw that they got involved was a complete and utter lie? I don't think so. We have proof on camera and in books and from the memories of the actual people INVOLVED in this terrible event who can relate the terrifying events that happened to them and many others those days they were caged in concentration camps. So, are you telling me what all I've heard from books and people is an elaborate lie?? Whatever... if someone can show me proof that the Holocaust DID NOT exist, then I'll continue on my life that this scar in German history did take place and that it should be remembered for as long as time goes on.

Aurora Revelle, Coquille, Oregon

Mr. Lindner, your innocence and naiveté in this is charming, but disturbing. Suffice it to say that it isn't the Germans at issue here.

This is horrifying news.

Abigail , Netherlands/USA,

It is disapointing to read all these comments. As a muslim I lurned in school everything about the cruisades, WWII, Hitler and the Holocaust. Most of the comments make the reader believe that the school childrens (the muslims in this case obviously) in the UK are forcing the teacher not to teach the holocaust by frightening them or threatening them. I don't think it is the case. As someone from a familly of teachers, I believe it all comes to the teacher and the way he approach the subject, how he or she establish the dialogue with the childrens. I agree with B Koct from Vancouver, BC, Canada who said " This issue is NOT whether the Holocaust HAPPENED or not.
This is about the teachers.
TEACH TEACHERS HOW TO TEACH "offensive" history.
Teach them how to teach both sides to see both sides."

kareem , Morristown, USA

It is offensive to think that our educators are such spineless whimps, especially where history is concerned. Political correctness gone mad!! These holocaust survivors are still living with the nightmares of this event to this very day. how dare some spineless teachers rise to slap them in the face! Shame on you. We all have history we are not proud of, but its in the past and we must recognize it, acknowledge it and move foward. If the Arabs don't like it, the middle east is a large place - go back there!

Janet Wilder, Queensland, Australia

As a .pacifist I demand that World War !! not be taught to children in school. It never happened and I don't think children should be taught about wars and things like that, so from now on stop teaching about war... do you hear me? It would offend me and therefore the whole world should cater to my wishes and I don't care about anybody else or about stupid truth... just stop telling children about wars... so there!!! And killing Indians in the west never happened either, and I don't believe all those lies about slavery.....And who ever said that at some time ago Women didn't have the right to vote... that's ridiculous so why teach those myths?? At what point in time do we realize the value of truth? When can humanity learn to live in peace? When can enlightenment enter all peoples minds to realize the only real answer is never to repeat the mistakes of the past. Parents and teachers are supposed to teach right from wrong based on knowledge and experience...

Jerry M. Grey, Texas, USA

Offensive to who? To those who want to deny the holocaust happened? To those who want to perpetrate another holocaust? To those still living who daily executed thousands of men, women and children just because they were born of the Jewish tribe? To those who stood by, did nothing and prefer to forget? Unfortunately for mankind, in the mere 60 years since the Nazis, the practise of genocide has not abated. The holocaust that began in Nazi Germany is however a defining event in history. Its careful, surgical planning sets it apart from any previous attempts at genocide. The holocaust is part of European history. Its memory must remain alive. Its lessons can help to prevent future bloodshed in Europe.

Richard Sharon, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Cultural sensitivity is good, but if Germans don't want to be accused of killing thirteen million people, maybe they shouldn't have killed thirteen million people. Hitler was elected.

Douglas Lindner, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA

What has happened to one of the world's greatest countries? Where is the backbone, the courage and the strength of character that was once England.

In the Imperial War Museum, at the exit of the moving Holocaust exhibit are these words: "For evil to triumph it is only necessary for good men to do

James Tenuto, San Diego, California

Common sense is dead.
First we used euphemisms to soften reality. Now we pretend something that happened didn't occur. SInce when is reality/fact offensive? A fact is a fact.
This world is in so much trouble.

Barbara, New Bern, NC USA

I happen to teach a Holocaust Class in a local Temple and find this is very disturbing.
Just surender to Iran and get it over with.

Or act like a real Country with backbone like the Austalians and tell them to go back home if they don't like the way it is.

Richard Lindner, Bay Shore, New York, USA

The Holocaust is history. It effected many different ethnic and religous groups. Virtully none were exempt from it effects. Not to teach about this ugly period of history is to say it never happened. This would be the same as not teaching about the bombs set off in the tubes and busses in London. Would history teachers ignore this too? This is wrong and history teachers who do not teach true history are frauds and a disgrace to the teaching profession.

Jeff OKon, Lake Worth, Florida, USA

This is the utmost in cowardness! The reaction should be just the opposite--show proof, show details, bring forth witnesses, if there are any left.

Eva Baskin, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

You notice something fascinating about these comments? MOST of them come from the USA!

Very, very few are from with the UK.

Does that mean that English people are satisfied that their children should not be taught history?

Or does it mean something more sinister, as several comments
have suggested.

I'm still working through the York Massacre, so forgive me if I'm not up to speed on Jew hatred in Britain.

Aspasia, Los Angeles, California USA

Fire the incompetent teachers and educate the willing.
History can not be rewritten to please the ignorant and upease the militant. Holocaust happened and must be taught to ensure that it never happens again. Crusades had their place and their reasons and lessons for all .
What will be next?
Stop the upeasement. Let people know, that democracy is not a right it is a privilege.
Britain was a proud nation, Sr. Winston would be ashamed of what you are becoming!!! Change.

Ilya Tchaplia, Toronto, Canada

From the country that brought us Alice in Wonderland, another alternate reality!
Why not simply hire those who frighten us to write the textbooks directly?That would be the safest and quickest course.

Sharon Lazerson, Gt Barrington, MA/USA

All that is needed for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

All that is needed for ignorance to abound is for parents to succumb to the political correctness disease rampant in our school systems.

The first casualty of fear is truth.

Ron Robins, Monument, Colorado USA

There goes the British pride and honor. Only the shame remains. Had this view and lack of actions been in existance 65 years ago- the world would have looked different

Michel, Caen, France

It is discouraging to see this latest example of what appears to be a resurgence of anti-Semitism in England. Witness the Edinburgh Film Festival flap of last summer, the movement by some in higher education to divest ownership of Israeli companies, doctored photos printed by Reuters to make the Israeli incursion in Lebanon look far worse (apologies were finally offered), and the attitudes of the Brits who staff a good deal of Al Jazeera.
People should not confuse their feelings about the Iraq war with their feeling about Israelis or Jews.

R. A. Ratner, Bethesda, USA/MD

Winston Churchill must be rolling in his grave.He inspired England in its darkest hour and now the cowards are winning.I am proud to be a Jew ,because we don't whitewash our history.Ours forefathers had flaws,but we learn from their errors not ignore them.
Ignorance is dangerous.

lynda chwaiewsky, Kelowna , Canada

To understand these educational failures, recast this story without false boogeymen ("offend Muslims...") and easy shibboleths ("political correctness"). ALL education in the U.S. (and increasingly in the U.K.) has become anodyne: The role of U.S. business in coups d'etat throughout Latin America and Africa, the extraordinary story of the fight for U.S. workers...none of it is taught in U.S. public schools. Yet, literally tens of thousands of U.S. workingmen and women died, millions more were displaced from their lands, effectively converted to conditions reminiscent of feudal slavery or indentured servitude as tenant farmers, coal miners, closed shop/sweat shop factory workers, etc. The "issue" then is not one of pandering to Muslims -- or Jews or Catholics or Russians-- but rather to the commercial considerations of textbook sellers, ignorance, and vested interests.

D.C. Gal, New York, NY

This is utterly deplorable. I am deeply offended! Whoever made this decision needs to do something else for a living.

Bob Becker, Overland Park, Kansas

Perhaps the education pundits in England should also not teach about Pizzaro and his decimation of the Inca empire inSouth America , or how England's policies destroyed the aboriginal way of life in North America, or the ethnic cleansing in the former Yougoslavia- or the Armenian holocaust- or Iraq, and what is happening there as we sit in our compfortabler living rooms and watch it all on CNN.. Being educated means learning about the good deeds and bad and having the knowledge to choose what to act on or believe.
Oh yes, don't forget not to teach about the all the other unjustices in the world so that no one will know and no one will get insulted.

Elaine Goldstein, Ottawa, Canada

Not teaching the holocaust, aiding and abetting the holocaust deniers, is a blasphemy. But not teaching the crusades, that 's idiocy. The Muslims attacked the Holy Land when it was mainly Byzantine Christian Jewish and Nabatean for five hundred years. Following Muslim conquest Judea was innundated, the Nabatean cities perished. Anyone travelling through the Holy Land can see that the path of Islam is the path of destruction. The Crusaders did in one hundred years more than the Muslims did in one thousand.

Y Brandstetter MD, Lehavim, israel

How sad that we are becoming a USA that once regarded our history and all the different cultures that embraced it. We should not start hiding the facts. What about all the human beings that lived through these attrocities, don't they count. There have been many terrible memories in all countries. We can't just forget them...we should learn from them. The USA had slavery, Turkish masacurred the Armenians, Russian Bolshaviks slaughtered many innocent human beings. The Nazi world and the powers that perform all the atrocities have to look back with grief.
AND, YOU WANT US TO HIDE OUR HEADS IN THE SAND.
SHAME ON YOU. LEARN FROM THE TRAGEDIES. AREN'T SCHOOLS FOR LEARNING???? We have to learn to live with different people whether it is faith, culture, color or any other difference...and, not judge or think we are better than them.....

Marlene, Newville, PA

Here's a thought: History should be viewed in the context of the time the incident happened; that is, time-sensitive philosophy, political climate, socio-economical status of the particular country, religious influences, outstanding personalities/leaders, chronological year of the incident, preceeding influences on a particular group/groups or country. To deny that something happened is to deny that multiple factors leading up to that incident did not happen either.
Is education about denying and/or avoiding the "unpleasant" or in studying the unjust or horrific with an idea of preventing the same situation?

Mary Ann D'Angio, Brooklyn, New York

As an educator, I cannot help but think the Brits have a different April Fools day! Unless the Muslim faith has taken over the Parliament and is holding everyone hostage....nah!

What can you be thinking? You have one of the most rigorous curriccula. Will you be suppressing the news from Darfur so as not to offend the Janjaweed?

How disheartening. Don't your teachers need to have their courses approved? Isn't there some agency that sets the content? Will this be on a test?

Roselle Weiner, West Hartford, USA

Silly me! I thought schools exist for the purpose of teaching students unfamiliar topics and for correcting the misinformation parents imbue in their children due to ignorance or prejudice.

I suppose schools will reinforce whatever the parents pass on and avoid tainting any part of life with truth and knowledge.

Kal Palnicki, Columbus OH, USA

I think it is outrageous that Western history is not being taught by a fawning, political correctness which is afraid to stand up to Islamofascism, that is threatening the civilized world. The greatest deniers of the Holocaust are the Moslems, and the Arabs sympathesied with the Nazis during WWII. Many of these people are the nazis of today. It is critical that young Moslems be aware of this history. As Santayana states, "those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it". From this side of the ocean it seems that England is descending into a Third World mentality

Bertrand Agus, M.D., New York, NY, USA

Of course the Muslims would find learning that the Holocaust is not a myth would be offensive. All they have to hear is the President of Iran espousing that the Holocaust never happened. If they are truly to become full WESTERN citizens of the UK they must be educated in truths. If a teacher does not have the ability to teach it, then speakers that survived the Holocaust should be brought in as well as soldiers that liberated the camps.

Carole Silvermetz, Silver Spring, MD

Shame on these fools. It appears to be just another step for the New World Order. Remember this insanity and fight it with all you have... The New World Order must be stopped.

Gerald Wagner, harrison Twp., Mi. USA

This is appeasement in its most virulent form. Does the UK call this history? To me it sounds like 'blackmail'

Barry, Philadelphia,

As an American, and a Jew, I am appalled that the UK would allow itself to be blackmailed by a particular religious group and allow that intimidation to influence British educators to "erase" from its history curriculum lessons about the Holocaust. Just ask British citizens and other citizens (not just Jews) all over the world who lost loved ones in the Holocaust if they can forget that halllmark of Nazism. Today, those horrific memories of the Holocaust echo in the genocides of Rwanda, Serbia/Croatia, and today in Darfur. If we turn a blind eye to genocide, whenever and where ever it happens, we sacrifice our humanity. We, as civilized people, need to remember, not forget, the lessons of history.

Jane Sullivan, Monterey, California (USA)

This issue is NOT whether the Holocaust HAPPENED or not.
This is about the teachers.
TEACH TEACHERS HOW TO TEACH "offensive" history.
Teach them how to teach both sides to see both sides.

B Koct, Vancouver, BC, Canada

History has a habit of repeating itself and how can the generations learn not only fro the good, but also from the mistakes which are always horrendous. If teachers are not knowledgable in history subjects, they should be taught history as this is not a reasonable excuse. How are the future generations going to learn about what went before them if these teachers are so ill equipped to teach them.

Paulette, Melbourne,

What is a history course that eliminates the truth? It is a joke.

Rosalie, Tamarac, Fl, USA

This is the stupidest decision by the board of education, anywhere, I've seen yet. To be educated in England was the best education available. Today it's going down the toilet. If we were to eliminate all offensive history what the heck would be left? It's time to watch the bullies in the playground if you want to protect the children. Not to suppress major historical events.
I am appalled.

Virginia E. Cotton, San Marcos, CA

How can deleting historical facts teach history?????? If people are offended by the truth, then keep teaching them the truth and the offensive lies will disappear. As an American Jewish woman, whose parents' tax dollars helped defend England against Nazism and helped saved the world from the likes of fascists I am appalled by this step back from truth telling. If not for the American troops and then Marshall Plan dollars, where would you English people be now?

sheila Goldmacher, berkeley,

Is this to be the sad legacy of England's resistance to fascism? Only the truth is what keeps us free.

Donald Goldmacher, Berkeley, USA

The UK’s elimination of controversial subjects (e.g., the Holocaust and the Crusades) from history lessons to avoid offending children from certain races or religions, is psychologically and educationally flawed and distortive. It lays the foundation for historical aberrations. It is not the decision of an enlightened educational system, but of politics, not sensitivity, influencing perception and education. We have seen this in the absence of Black figures’ contributions and presently among Islamic countries. This very surprising tack weakens genocide as an atrocity and waters the roots of future episodes. It smacks of the revisionism of Orwell’s “1984.”
Santayana’s words are as predictive today as they were during his life: "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." I would add one change that occurred since his passing: Those who choose to deny the past or make it more tasteful are condemned to repeat it."
As an Anglophile, this news is shocking and appalling.

Allan Cooperstein, Willow Grove,

This is a crime in education. The Dept. of Education should give training to teachers AND staff about the Holocaust and Crusades and show how to teach the truth so that respect of "all" humans can become an enlightening experience for the students.

Joy D. Griffith, Burlington, MA

As a member of the Second Generation of Holocost Survivors, I'm frightened & appalled. It's one thing to "keep peace" for the sake of the here & now. But if doing so further prevents the very knowledge that can sustain our future as a human race, from entering the classroom & minds of future educators, we're doomed to repeat it, by allowing it to be. There's a reason why History was deemed worthy enough to be offered as a subject/major in most every educational instution, long before The Holocost took place. Slavery is now as focused upon, in that curriculum, as the signing of The Declaration of Independance. It's simply a matter of (very little) time, until complaints about that subjects prescence in the classroom, become loud enough to demand attention.

Libby, Cherry Hill, New Jersey

I cannot believe that the Holocaust materials are being removed from text books! Have the Brits so quickly forgotten that they were not protected from the hate that spilled out of Germany by the Nazi Party? With family and friends that reside in GB I hope that you hear their protests to this injustice to all 11 million individuals who were slaughtered.

If you bow down to the request to remove the texts because it might "offend" one group let me tell you loud and clear I AM OFFENDED.

Esther Sherman Arlan, SARANAC LAKE, USA

What a sad place we have gone to at this time!! The Holocaust was an example of the greatest of ethnic cleansing known -- Jews, Catholics, gypsies, groups identified by Hitler as undesirable. We should be teaching MORE about the Holocaust as we see the ugly head of ethnic (Africa) and religious (Muslim extremists) bigotry still around us. We still have groups in the world who would kill and wipe out all peoples who do not agree with them... even at the cost of using their own children.

We should all be speaking out against the removal of the horrors of the past or they will surely return to haunt us.

Marianne Handler, Highland Park, IL

While history may be written by the victors it appears that it may be rewritten by or for anyone ready and willing to coerce the general population. What's next? Tearing down memorials? Or worse yet - changing the signs?

A. Pober, East Brunswick, NJ

I cannot believe our world has come to this... It is very sad to see a country that is so highly respected take this kind of action. I understand the teachers reasonings for not wanting to offend their students, but history is a way for us to learn from our mistakes. How can we protect our future and our childrens future if we aren't able to learn about the horrific things that our ancestors have done in the past? All of the lives that were lost in the Holocaust would be in vain. All of the lives lost fighting Hitler would be in vain. I find it sad and disheartening that this is occuring. I can only hope that the teachers see their mistake and correct is otherwise the idea of diversity and education will be lost.

Alexis, New York, New York USA

Why don't they whitewash all of history?
Eliminate every event that could cause bad feelings.
Blot out the wars, riots, bombings, murders, assinations, ethnic cleansing, etc, etc.
Then we could look at our history and say that we've been living in a perfect world with nothing left to improve.
What a great way to acheive a eutopian society. It's simple and makes all the problems go away. What a marvelous idea!!!

Y, Oakland, PA

I'm sure that there is something in history to discomfort every group. However, it is a painful and incontrovertable fact that the Holoucaust happened and that it was conceived and promulgated throughout Europe by Hitler and that some of the major concentration camps were on German soil.
I acknowledge that is must be uncomfortable for Germans today to be reminded of their past, as it is for white Americans to be reminded about the horrible era of slavery and the subguation of our Native American population, But think about the discomfort of Jews and others who were who were slaughtered by the Germans. Think about how uncomfortable and miserable the surviving Jews and others and their families must be upon learning that Holocaust studies are being omitted because they made Germans uncomfortable.
There has got to be some room left in the world for truth no matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Sara Cannon, Los Angeles, California

Some of the comments on this thread are quite frankly outrageous. The holocaust is still taught in schools. It is on the History GCSE curriculum. It is in Key Stage 3 (11-14) History as well. So talk of the Department for Education and Skills taking the holocaust off the curriculum is bunkum.

Also, it's not "liberals". The original article is badly written and bias (but what do you expect of one of Murdoch's minions?) but at least it doesn't point the blame at "liberals" or "political correctness". Most left wing teachers I know teach the Holocaust and the Second World War and make a point of teaching it throughly. So it's not "liberals". At all. I work in a comprehensive school in South London so I know for a fact that it's being taught properly.

Let's get the facts right, shall we? Morons.

Dave Chapman, London,

What next, stop teaching the history of WII, incase we offend any Germans living in the U.K.

Russell Phillips, Ottawa,

I taught in an area of Ohio which has many people of German descent. I was a little worried about their reactions to my units on the Holocaust in the 7th and 8th grade. I received no comments from any of the parents. However, I did find some problems with a close friend who is a first generation German-American. Her family came to America around the time of the War (II) and she told of feeling almost out of place when the subject of the Holocaust came up in class. This was probably especially so since her accent is still noticeable today. I would have been very vocal however, if a move from the administration had been made to curtail all talk of the Holocaust. It would have been more beneficial if the teachers could take classes to further educate themselves in the matter of the Crusades and Holocaust so they could speak with more certainty when discussions came up. These would also have made excellent research projects and subjects for a controlled, not rampant, classroom debate.

Marjorie Castanien, Defiance, USA/Ohio

The M-word.
Why is the article afraid to say the word Muslim. Who else finds learning about the Holocaust offensive? And who else would teachers be afraid of offending?

Personally, I found learning maths offensive - it's anti-democratic and fascist - there is only ever one right answer and no room for opinion.

It seems that Britain is submitting and fast.

Dani, Jerusalem , Israel

It is a fact that the Holocaust happened - not an opinion or a theory. History is full of good things and bad things. Ignoring the bad things is ingoring fact. As an American, I look back at slavery, the treatment of Japanese-Americans during WW2, and what the settlers did to the people who lived throughout this land before they got there. These are all horrible things, but nonetheless are things that happened. We should continue learning about this in school. It is disrepectful to the millions of victims to avoid teaching about what happened to them.

Not teaching something is like pretending it didn't happen. Should we also pretend that police brutality doesn't happen? Should we just pretend that environmental pollution isn't happening? Should we just pretend terrorism doesn't exist? NO!! We should understand so as to avoid repetition. History repeats itself if we don't learn from it.

Bigots say it never happened. This empowers them. How embarrassing this is.

Jeremy, Washington, DC,

I am very disappointed to read this article, what is this country coming to. The Holocaust is a matter of fact whether some may wish to tell us otherwise it happened and should be taught to all generations to ensure that it never happens again.

Nicola M, Watford, England

"In particular settings, teachers of history are unwilling to challenge highly contentious or charged versions of history in which pupils are steeped at home, in their community or in a place of worship," according to the Historical Association Report. Yet isn't it both the responsibility of and in the best interest of the state to ensure factual information is disseminated among the population in general? What then, I wonder, was the moral justification for Britain leading the Allied effort to combat the evilness within Hitler's regime? And was it in vain that British citizens suffered blackouts and bombing attacks? So that today's teachers could ignore the collective effort within Britain? Surely the British response in World War II was one of the most courageous moments in British history. Britain should be proud of fighting against Hitler, his Lebensraum and his Holocaust. And, I wonder, where will these cowardly teachers be when the next wave of terror attacks hit Britain, undertaken by former British students who never learned of the Holocaust?

Larry Tarof, Ottawa, Canada

Please understand one thing - now people know more details about the facts of history.I see all the changes as beneficial,so there is no emotional side of history stories.Children can be psichologically influenced and history is just a facts and dates.And teaching include moral,so history must be not story telling.Genocides are all over the world and now and every year was-tell us about these atrocities!Not only holocaust.

Ed, London,

In the West, history is not being taken seriously. If we plan not to offend people we won't be able to complain when our young people and our immigrant populations have a vastly different view of what are true historical facts.

Perhaps some of the UK educational decision makers should have gone to the recent conference in Iran which was pushing a particular view that the Holocaust was a myth.

Ron Crooks, Ottawa, Canada

When I first visited the UK in 1971, you were still rebuilding from WW II. How many Englishmen died in the Blitz and in the war? This disgusting capitulation could never have happened to the Britain of the last century. Where is a new Churchill to say, "Never Give In. Never Give In. Never give in." How sad to see the sun set on the British Empire.

Wendy D, Warwick, USA / NY

I can't believe that the UK can do this! Who are they going to offend by teaching about the Holocaust, only the Germans, who were responsible for that terrible time.

Dan, ASHEVILLE, NC

Heaven help us when democratic and supposedly educated governments remove factual history from their school curricula to satisfy religion and personal sensitivities. This is beyond ludicrous and is a travesty which presages the downfall of democracy and the "free' world. Whatever happened to "in Rome..." ?

Roz, Toronto, Canada

I guess we should have a world where only good happens and never say a bad word. No need to teach history at all, after all it happened so long ago, you will never will need it in the future. You did we forget that unless you know history you are doomed to repeat it.

Joe , Fortville, IN

I am currently a high school student and if i was not taught something because it was considered offensive or was a "touchy" subject. The ignorance showed by these teachers may lead to the next genocide of a people if we are not careful. I am most saddened to see that the UK has fallen to the increasing pressure of the Islamic society as it continues to push and push.

Just the idea that one can try to dislaim the holocaust puts you in the ranks of rosie and crazy man iran. Its saddening to see the world that my generation may have to inherit.

An an entire country can not bow down to the wim of a group of poeple.

Adam paulson, bakersfield, america california

This article is trolling of the basest sort. Taken literally, it alleges something that all right-thinking persons would angrily oppose. Yet it doesn't provide any evidence that the report actually exists or that the author of the article characterizes it accurately. And if fact, a much more professional repost (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/6517359.stm) makes it clear that it's not only the Holocaust that some teachers avoid, but any painful subject, e.g. slavery. AND it makes clear that " "Teaching of the Holocaust is already compulsory in schools at KS3. It will remain so..." This is a tough topic, not helped by misleading articles such as the above

R E Winn, Mercer Island, USA/WA

I am a Holocaust Educator. I am also on the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust. This is a subject that not only covers a part of history, but teaches tolerance as well. I find NOT teaching about the Holocaust offensive. What will they do about that??

Angela Eichhorn, Willard, NC, NC, USA

I couldn't believe this story when I heard about it yesterday morning. Ignorance is now the answer to tough questions in school? What type of education are they promoting, ignorance is bliss? Moreover, I find it truly disturbing since one of my friends fathers grew up in Coventry which was heavily bombed during WWII. When we were kids we were playing street hockey outside of their home when I heard screaming which I had never heard before. The kind of screaming you would expect when someone has cut off an arm or a leg or were burning to death. It chilled me to the bone and then I heard what he was saying. "Mommy, mommy, please make the bombs stop, please make the bombs stop!" He said this over and over again as my friend ran in the house to wake his father up from this unbelievable nightmare. As I found out this happened several times a week. For him and many others who are still alive this is how England preserves their memories of being bombed? By lying to their own children?

Jason, Teaneck, NJ ,

This is scarcely believable. The Ministry of Education needs to take positive action to prevent this NOW.

I. Dayson, Vancouver, Canada

I am so disappointed. I have always looked to the Education Sysrem in the UK for leadership. Revision of important historical facts, for any reason, is the first major step in the decline of a civilization. Shame on the UK.

Jim Kemp, Delray Beach, Florida, USA

History is offensive, so don't teach it -- change it by just teaching the pleasant stuff. Reality is offensive, so don't face it -- go get stoned on drugs. Don't live. Just edit. This is education?

Jan Hokenson, Delray Beach, Florida, USA

The Battle of Britain and bombing of London never happened either. Oh, and did I forget to mention that there was never any conflict in Northern Ireland either. Grow some guts England, or shall I say stiff upper lip!

Jeffrey Cohen, Garnerville, NY

Im a Jewish college student in the UK, and I personally would be very offended if the government did NOT think it was appropriate to let me know how my forefathers were so savagely murdered during both the Holocaust and the crusades. I find it utterly abhorrent that some negative aspects of a persons culture should be avoided not to offend people. The only people it will offend is people who point blank DENY the Holocaust.

After all, if one doesn't learn from history, one is bound to repeat it.

Andrew Hadland, Solihull, United Kingdom

The standard History of Western Civilization text book here in the United States only mentions the Jews to note the origins of montheism, the composition of the Bible, and the Holocaust.

Apparently, some in the United Kingdom would prefer to write the Jews out of history entirely-- or at least relegate them to an ancient and extinct civilization who did not accept Jesus Christ.

I am a school teacher in the States. Just as one cannot understand American history without discussing the institutions of slavery and Jim Crow, one cannot understand European Civilization without examining its long history of state and church sanctioned Antisemitsm and anti-Judaism. This should be taught as early as possible.

Ian Thal, Somerville, MA, USA

Like everyone else I am appaled and disqusted. I am a Christian and I will teach my children about the Crusades about the killings done in the name of Christianity. Man is sinful and will sin. Shame on ANYONE distorting truth because ultimatly it is a lie. This is really sickening to say the least.

Fred, Bay Area, California

Interesting idea....If history, the way it happened, may offend anyone, let's just leave it out...Interesting idea...
Let's just pretend that it was not so important to discuss if it upsets people.
We live in a world where teriible things happen every day, and many of this suffering consists
of human beings hurting each other.
This has been true since the beginning of humankind.

Each event provides us with an opportunity to learn to do better next time, but we cannot learn
if we cannot look back on these events. We must go over them again and again to learn the lesson.
It is obvious that we have not learned it yet, and turning away from it may be easier, but it will not help us.

I think, however, that it is true that many teachers are not capable of teaching these events, and
there is a need to have some training designed for the teachers them.
That is something I would love to do!

Liz Lippa, University City, MO

What a ridiculous situation. I don't understand the "solution" here--there was never a problem. Except maybe under-taught teachers--or even worse, teachers too scared to reveal the truth. This is total PC BS at its worst--what has England accomplished by denying its student the right to knowledge?? This rule changes NOTHING! The Crusades might offend, but the real question is,"Who really cares?" The Holocaust might "offend", but I think it's even more offensive to the survivors who lived through it that England is NOT teaching it. I am ashamed that such blasphemy toward history is taking place in England...
IT HAPPENED. That's what counts. 6 MILLION JEWS DIED IN THE HOLOCAUST, 1.5 OF THOSE CHILDREN!!
I am utterly disgusted with the practices of this. Ashamed more than anything. What happened to England? Where are the Winston Churchills, where are the true scholars and wisemen? WHERE IS INTELLECTUAL THOUGHT??
It's being hidden by this politically correct fascism, that's where it is.

Zachary Call, Springfield, Illinois, United States of America

Thanks a lot for denying that my great-granfather was a Jew killed by Germans. I've been an admirer of Britain, and I'm very dissapointed.

Laura Witzel, Baytown, TX

Holocaust denial has been going on since the Holocaust BEGAN! The United Kingdom has become a bellwether of the western world and is leading us into a hell of capitulation, appeasement and surrender to forces it once held dominion over and kept at bay. The United States is not far behind. Be warned, millions of people will have died in vain if we do not pass on this important lesson of history to our children, because the ultimate victors will forever expunge it from the history books.

Gary Cangemi, Scranton, PA

To my Uncle who was held by the Germans as a POW, for over 4 years, I apologize for neglecting to mention you in my earlier posting in my reference to my mother and other relatives during the Battle of Britain. To the Brits - on what date are you going to deny the 15 hostages that have just been released by the benevolent Iranians? SHAME ON YOU...SHAME ON YOU!!!

John Olson, Rochester, MN

I am so upset and angry about this that I am having trouble writing calmly. I am English, now living in the USA. My father and his parents fled Vienna to avoid the holocaust. I have watch programmes like The World At War, and other footage of the release of the survivors of Belsen and Auschwitz concentration camps, and heard testimony from some of the survivors and I always thought that this should teach us about religious tolerance. How DARE people suppress the truth in schools and cause so much offence and further hurt to people who suffered in a war that was supposed to be about freedom, which includes the freedom of speech that woolly minded Liberals claim they are entitled to whenever they want to remove our freedoms in case it offends someone! I bet Winston Churchill is turning in his grave!!!

R. Barrett, Estes Park, CO/USA

Once-great England is felled by the Barbarian - Muslims. And your "leaders" let 'em all in. You people should be taking to the streets in protest. This is a shocking, shocking, Orwellian development. Poor Englandistan. Finished. The sun truly is setting on the British Empire.

When I first heard of this I thought it couldn't possibly be true. Sadly, it is. For shame.

Darcy, private, USA

I am an English teacher who teaches the Holocaust - I shared this with my students, and they were disgusted! They felt that it was unfair because, like they have learned, if it isn't discussed, then the past may be repeated... They also asked if it was offesnsive to talk about real life issues that are in present day, like sex, drugs, and relationships. My kids are smart... why can't the world see that if we ignore itm then our future will be lost!

KMORROW, Texas, USA

krystal, duncanville, tx

This would be such an outstanding opportunity to teach the objectivity of historical events, and how you cannot deny what has occurred simply because your religion/philosophy/upbringing disagrees. There is so much material which could be utilized here, including that 10 hour film of those who experienced the holocaust . This would be an excellent time to teach that, we may, on occasion, have differing interpretations of historical events, but that the actual denial of historical events should reveal the darkness of the souls who deny these events. It would be a time to attempt to reach these confused students with some truth; obviously, some would reject the truth to their last breath; but others might realize that they are being lied to on a grand scale about so many things.

Dealing with this one topic in great detail could be the one thing which could turn England around.

gary kukis, Houston, USA/TX

"Those fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Here we go again. This is the first step to revisionist history, and to the further persecution of the jews.

Rich, Arlington, VA, USA

It's funny, I have read a number of articles and replies on this news. One thing I have yet to see from any source, what about offending the Jewish people? I don't think this really has anything to do with being "PC", I think this is anchored directly in fear. This is the same for the Crusades. That's English history that needs to be shared, not hidden. I truely believe the people who are shying away are terrified of being "blow up" by some radical Muslim that does not like what's being taught.

DJG, Bay Area, California

The irony here must not be missed: We began down the road of tolerance so as to avoid future holocausts. Now we've arrived at the point in which, due to our unbalanced view of tolerance, we've stopped teaching about the holocaust. We have seen the enemy, and he is us!

Michael McKenna, Millersville, Maryland, USA

This is total NONSENSE! These teachers/schools are denying the respect that our Parents, GrandParents and other Family Members deserve. Purely Disgraceful!

PStan, Duncan, U.S.A.

The children of Islam have been lied to enough, should we continue to lie to them by letting believe that the holocaust was a myth or give them a healthy dose of the truth.

Ben, Fredericksburg, USA

Both my parents were teens during WWII when their country Holland was overrun by Hitler's regime! They suffered as did countless frightened, men women and children from many Nation's, cultures, and specifically religious groups! Is the World doomed to repeat a horrid, vile violent past history?? Are people NOT Wise enough to learn LESSONS from the past?? All the sensitivities and judgment is why the world is in the predicament that it is today! As a wise Mom *(mine) once said; "can't we all just get along?!" Let us co-exist Live and learn more about other cultures! The world has shrunk far to much with modern communication and transportation! We can never change History, but we sure can learn from mistakes of the past: IF WE ARE BRAVE Enough................We must teach the children well!
Tolerance and Forgiveness! Many soldiers died Freeing the World, We Must Never FORGET!!!
By the way My husband is been a teacher!!

Christina Finn, Chicago, America

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU ENGLAND??????????

It might "offend" them, so what! It Happened, where is your logic?

Good night England! Good night....

J.H.B., Sacremento, USA

So now we have the censoring of history - it's not enough that we have the re-interpretation of history. And people think this isn't Orwellian? The teachers should be ashamed of themselves. How do the teachers know that the children will be 'offended'? This sounds like anti-Semitism is being tolerated. An absolute disgrace. The holocaust and second world war are part of our history - if some groups find it 'offensive' it is they who should change their views.

Ian Burgess, Bristol,

How are the young of today meant to learn of wrong doings from the past without reading about it with teachers in school? Appeasement only leads to more evil.

Omar Abbas, London,

I never thought that certain institutions in the country whence America's ideas of liberty came could be so craven. Willingness to sacrifice the truth for expediency is the first step on the road to tyranny. Churchill would be ashamed, Stalin would be pleased.

Michael L. Berde, Minneapolis, USA, Minnesota

We've experienced a similar incident this year in Greece.

The new controversial history books for the 6th grade of the primary school, try to iron out or hide many facts of the Greek War for Independence and the life under Ottoman occupation.

It was suggested that this should help to ease tensions with Turkey (which, by the way, was accepted as an EU candidate, although the turkish parliament still holds a casus belli if Greece exercises its legal right for a 12 miles territorial waters extension in the Aegean).

It's different to accept your past and move forward, but one-sided attempts to remove historical facts from the collective memory, shows ignorance and the past is bound to be repeated. One wonders if the "scientists" behind these efforts actually learned something during their studies.

Nora Vardi, Athens, Greece,

Interesting that such a very high proportion of comments came from outside the UK. We Brits should be most concerned, even if this is happening in only a few schools.

To deprive future citizens of our history is to deprive them of their roots and sense of who they are.

History, well-taught, is also one of the best ways to learn how to think, to question all things, recognise and confront prejudices, seek for the truth and become aware that "received wisdom" and "what other people say" is not always true. It teaches you to think for yourself and not just swallow whatever happens to be the prevailing view.

It is especially sad that history is not compulsory to 16. Along with English and Maths, it is essential to being a good, effective citizen and should be seen as a birthright.

Gillain, London,

Have the Brits and Europeans not learned that appeasement only encourages evil?

EB, Euless, TX

Who exactly will teachers be offending, children of Nazis ?

Do we not have enough of a battle on our hands up against Holocaust deniers ?

Nina Hecht, Jerusalem,

those who refuse to remember history are codemned to repeat it. when the muslims are sitting in parliament & the Brita are scratching their heads in amazment maybe then they will wake up .

Owen, Reno, Nv.

I read that in Pakistan children are taught to hate Israelies and that there can be no compromise between Islam and Israel, while in Britain teachers must avoid teaching factual history because it might offend the senitivities of those who oppose Israel. Islam is certainly winning all of the battles that count. We are a doomed society.

James McArthur, Vail, Arizona

If Primary School means the same thing in England as it does in America, then I have to agree with those who suggest that perhaps the whole WWII history be taught at a later age, at which time I definitely believe that the holocaust should be included. Do I want a pre-teen asking, "What do you mean, they put them in an oven?" Not really.

As to some of the other entries, I'm a Christian and am not offended by someone teaching the facts of the Crusades -- bad people did bad things. If it has anything to do with me, it's only in that I know better than to commit the same attrocities. Who is offended by the teaching of the facts of the Holocaust? Nazis? If the answer is Muslims, as many are implying, those people need to speak up and give some kind of justification for being offended by very real actions that had nothing to do with them. If its because they have a more-recent grudge with the Jewish community, too bad. Simple as that.

dave, Washington, DC

"United Kingdom of West Caliphate/Pakistan"

What happened to Britain?? I doubt there will be a Britain after 2050AD. I guess I should visit UK now, so I can see the remnants of a once great nation. It will fade from the world stage soon.

The current state of UK is what happens when people stop thinking and acting for themselves, and turn to "the state" for, medical care, monetary support during times of unemployment, personal protection, and using immigration to prop up a low birth rate.

Above is beginning to apply to USA also,..Individualism and Western Civilization is on it's way to history, and it WILL be omitted from textbooks in the years 2100 and beyond. One can bet on that.

Good Bye UK!! Thanks for the language, legal system, and very beautiful Jaguar and Bentley cars (and Elizabeth Hurley)

Philip, Northern, Nevada USA

"What happened to the spirit of the people who were at Dunkirk, or The Battle of Britain?"

The "spirit" got killed? Do you have any idea how awful Dunkirk was? It's all well and good to yell "war!" "revenge" "let's show some backbone!" and stuff, until you've got the grenades and limbs flying around your ears.

My brother had "spirit" and volunteered to go to Yugoslavia. After an incident with a tank, a grenade, and people who no longer looked like people but more like raw hamburger, that spirit kinda went.

Starling, Lancaster,

That is why England is where it is today GOD HELP YOU ALL. England has followed the path of Japan and revised history to the point of ridiculous, no wonder I hear more and more British accents when I travel to the USA, the smart ones are leaving while they can.


The role of all education (in and out of school) should be about::

- Learning how to think and not what to think.

- Learning how to ask questions and not just to give answers

Mark, Bogota, Colombia

All of my life I have heard how much more intelligent Europeans are than us "Yanks," yet the policy of re-writing history to avoid offending those who deny it proves otherwise. It appears that the alliance with France in the EU has caused her cowering ways to rub off on the Brits. What happened to the spirit of the people who were at Dunkirk, or The Battle of Britain? Sad...

Russell Wright, Houston, USA

If we don't remember how bad the Holocaust was, what’s to stop it happening again. A good grasp of history will help people make better informed decisions for the future.

David Turner, Tenby, Wales

Good Grief. Is it not bad enough that we are all having to be so pc these days it's barely possible to sit in your own home without offending anyone. These events in history shaped who we are today and many many people suffered and fought to save their families through such a tortuous time. What's next? Henry VIII only married once? The first and second world wars never happened? Oh I know, Vietnam was a farce. A politician made it all up. It is categorical that our children learn about these events in history to make sure they don't happen again. Whoever made this decision should be sacked, then maybe they'll understand what it is to go through life with a stigma attached to you. People need to deal with the truth. It isn't a nice world we live in - learn about it, and try to make it better.

Claire H, Maidenhead, Berkshire

It is obviously important that everyone learns about the Holocaust, but at what age and in what context? History becomes at optional subject in the UK at 13/14. I am not sure that (psychologically) it is a good thing to 'educate' children at this age or younger about the events of the Holocaust - they are children after all. With regard to context, the scale of death and destruction in WW2 was immense (more than 60 million dead) - how can children begin to understand that? Or the events of the Holocaust within that immensity of statistics? To 'squeeze' the deaths of the Holocaust and WW2 into a busy school curriculum would seem to me to devalue the lives of those who fell - our annual memorial days seem rather more appropriate.

Charles, London, England

I am an American. I believe that if we are so scared that we change "HISTORY" that changed the world, resulting in the deaths of over 6 million individuals, like it never happened. That is sad. And if that's the case let's remove The Revolutionary War from history, because it "offends" me. So that means America is no longer a country and I have to drink tea because your king says so. Well how about this let's remove the American Civil War from history. So that means that the South succeeded and African Americans are still slaves what about that. What if one of your children were in that class inwhich a teacher was to scared to teach about WWII so that means that they will not learn of the accomplishments of their father (and/or) grandfather made to make sure their children could live without the "fear" of communist reign.

Chase Fossitt, Alexandria, Kentucky

The role of all education (in and out of school) should be about::

- Learning how to think and not what to think.

- Learning how to ask questions and not just to give answers

If I may add to the quotations already suggested on this subject:

"Ignorance breeds ignorance" (I don't know who first said that, but I'm willing to learn)

Helen Ward, Oxford , England

Just quickly in response to Gabriel from New York, you say 'more cretinism from the isles', but isn't it your country that took evolution off the curriculum to teach 'intelligent design' instead?

As for not teaching about the Holocaust, that's just stupid. it was one of the major events of the Second World War and as someone who's family was directly affected by it, i think all children should be taught about such major events in our history.

To be honest, if they are not teaching it because they don't know enough about it then thats something that needs to be addressed through educating the teachers!

Simon, Northampton, UK

more cretinism from the isles. when will it cease?

Gabriel, new york, ny,

recently I have read of changing syllabi to make things "easier" for children, changing exams to make things "easier" for children, and now changing syllabi to make things "easier" for teachers! What ever happened to placing a value on learning, on challenge, on hard work, on learning to deal with failure as well as success. Without dedication, we are producing a people who will always take the easiest option. Think about that for a moment. I despair. The UK is beyond repair.

Marco, bhm, uk

Having studied a History degree, naturally I am biased towards it. However, it is so important to study history, in all its gory glory. If the teacher's have an inadequate knowledge of history
1. Not teaching history is not going to remedy the situation, but only make it worse for the next generation; and
2. Cut down on the amount of useless bureaucracy and admin that teachers are forced to do, so that they have time to prepare lessons, and learn history themselves.
One of the many things I learnt from my degree is that human kind is flawed; no country, religion or ethnic group can consider themselves blame-free.

LB, London,

this is northing short of just pure stupidity on the highest level. In trying to become so "PC", we're actually forgetting who "WE" really are. We're Britian, a mixed bag of all nationalities from day one, who have had some troubles in our past but on the whole, look what we brought to the world over the years in the terms of progress. To denie events in our history, is to denie who we really are. By not teaching them it wont mean the event didn't happen, it would be better to teach and explain why such events happended, rather than letting it get twisted to suit ones views. This country should be ashamed of itself to put it bluntley. I think now to how in the future historians will comment on the madness of this country then.

simon, lincoln,

Wake Up!!!!!!!!!!

Tom, Scottsdale, AZ

This is only a logical extension of the speech codes adopted by most Canadian universities, codes which are all against offensive speech rather than acts, and who main enforcing "experts" are the commisar-like "equity officers" whose numbers and power grow continuously. An early manifestastion of these commissars was evident in the earlyk nineties at my university, when its academic board, in adopting the university's speech code, indicated that its equity officers were best equipped to provide advice as to when the code had been broked (see http://www.psych.utoronto.ca/~furedy/Papers/af/ice.doc, especially last para begining with "Although the University of Toronto's speech code ...). For current use to protect muslim comfort, see http://www.psych.utoronto.ca/~furedy/Papers/af/cultofcom3.doc
Offender of the Faith Anti-Equity Officer

Emeritus Proessor John Furedy, Sydney, Australia/NSW

Is this because the teachers are afraid of being sued by the parents for offending or being insensitive to the children?
And also how many students are being affected by this? There are no figures stating whether this is an issue brought about by a few teachers being not entirely thorough in some parts of history. Also the reasons given are vague; is it because their students always perform badly in exams in this part of the sylibus, is it because it is the teacher's preference, or is there another trend here?

Justin, Wuhan, China

A country with such a great history of Men and not of mice.
Men such as Richard the Lion Hearted, Disraeli,
Gladstone, Winston Churchil., Lord Mountbatten,Women Margaret Thatcher,
Men of WWI, WWII who stood up to bigotry and to intimidation, and ignorance would send the appeasers
the( who say we will bring peace home Neville Chamberlain, and the Vichys of France that still love Algeria
and the Califs of Eygpt. Would put them in their Place. They believe in Truth, Honor, Country and The God of Abraham.

Robert , hagerstown, Md

Hmmm, has April fools day been moved to April 2nd in England?

Stephen Nielsen, Copenhagen,

Other than to repeat what others have already said, "Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it", I can only add this quote from one of my teachers many years ago, "If ignorance is bliss, there's a lot of blissful people in the world". Well, it seems as if this number will continue to grow.

Political Correctness and the unhealthy attitude of not wanting to "offend" people has gotten way out of control. Sad state of affairs there in the UK. Only a matter of time before history classes will become a "pick and choose your history" game show here in the States would be my gues.

Mark, Houston,

WAKE UP people of the UK before it's too late.

s. williams, chicago, Illinois/USA

I must say I'm appauled. Does the phrasing, "Those who don't leanr from history are condemned to repeat it." have any meaning?

First the Three Little PIgs gets change to the Three Little Puppies, and now this.

I fear England is taking a gross and ill fated step backwards.

Jamie, Methuen, MA

It is a sad day when we are so politically correct that we cannot teach historical truth. What happened to teaching both sides of the story and letting the children come to their own conclusion.

Mary, Denver, CO

Removing these subjects may seem "easier" for teachers, but this only serves to make history class bland, uninteresting, and ultimately useless. History teaches us our mistakes as well as our successes as a species, and forgetting the mistakes only begs for them to be repeated. More controversial topics, not less, need to be taught to kids. How else will they build a better future?

Andrew Mattes, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

This is good news for muslims who are on a mission to prove to the world that the holocaust never happened! When the holocaust took place the whole world knew that the jews were being wiped out... and did not interfere. Today the world still remembers the 6 million murdered jews but still does not interfere with Iran's threat to wipe Israel off the map. Does knowing our history change anything here? not really! The bad news is that while Hitler almost achived his goal, the fanatic muslims will be allowed to go ahead with theirs and their goal does not stop with the jews! Good luck.

Naomi, Tel Aviv, Israel

Who exactly is offended by the Holocaust history being taught in schools? Nazis?

Laurel, Windsor, Canada

That is how falshoods and rumors start, "White washing history". People always write history the way they want it to be and will always try to hide any atrocities that have been committed. How can anybody expect to learn about history if it is covered up and hidden? Like a few have said before, "If we don't learn from history we will be doomed to repeat it". Everybody says they just want the truth but then when the truth is told they get offended. Why don't we just stick our heads in the sand and hide? History is the past and cannot be changed, we need to learn from it and change things to make a better future. I would like to know what this world is coming to. It seems like no matter what we say or do anymore somebody is going to be offended. Yes somethings are wrong but people also need to get a life and get over the past, and look to making the future better. Get over the "US vs THEM", "THEY OWE US" attitude and start working together for a better future.

Bruce, San Bernardino, Ca.

"A lack of factual knowledge among some teachers." Guess they couldn't teach the facts even if they wanted.

John Doe, Constantinople,

In reply to Florida72's statement that children "today think it's all a poorly-filmed, black and white horror movie."

Perhaps a different approach to teaching the holocaust should be taken. Instead of school trips to Spain and France, a 'trip' to Poland. Perhaps the sight of the mountain of human ashes in Maidanek will change the minds of those who are 'offended' by such notions, or 'snicker' at death.

You can still visit the gas chambers in Auschwitz-I and Maidanek, and you can still see the scratches from fingernails in the ZyklonB-stained walls. Nothing conveys the sheer horror that was the holocaust as being confined for just 5 to 10 minutes in one of the remaining gas chambers.

Michael, Brussels, Belgium

Dropping the Holocaust from school lessons is the same as Holocaust denial. England stood up to Hitler but cowers before the Moslem Mullahs in its midst.

Cindy, New York, USA

Throughout history, war has been brought about by religion, politics, nationalities, races, and cultures. It is what it is and it is who we are. Anyone teaching history should do so with lessons that are fact-based. Those teaching at a K-12 level should do so with emotions checked at the door. To be selective and teach based on being "politically" or "religiously" or "socially" correct is ignoring the facts. If we do not learn from history we will find it repeated. Teachers must do what is right and the British School system should beheld accountable for the lack of courage described in your article.

Joe Brandt, Escondido, California, USA

Censorship of verified historical events, however offensive, ought never to be countenanced. Teachers who support such deceit should be summarily dismissed from service. Hiding the truth provides opportunity for such evils to once again establish themselves. We owe it to all those who shed blood for the cause of truth to pursue its preservation.

James Whalen, Esq., West Springfield, Massachusetts/USA

I think ut is dangerous to try and omitt very important pieces of history. If it is fact then it should be taught. If anything else is changed or left out then I believe it is propaganda. Political correctness needs to be reigned in and checked. What if the US decided to leave out the chunk of history dealing with slavery so as not to offend children. This would be a great travesty so I think we need to not leave out the history of others. We learn from our history so as to not repeat it. This is common knowledge among the civilized and educated history will repeat itself especially if not taught.

Derek, Orem , UT

Please teach history as it occured despite its potential to hurt feelings or stir controversy. Children must learn to deal with truths and reality. They will feel more betrayed when they learn the truth.

Please give children more credit for being resilient than we are.

Michael Drummond, Spring, USA/Texas

To Manny-
You're right. Schools in the U.S. have taught about the Holocaust and the Crusades. But we also have groups here that want to ban teaching of evolution. Or reading of Harry Potter. Or sex education.
So I guess my main point is, blaming this kind of thing on Muslims or "liberals" is misguided. How about we just agree to blame it on people who believe their version of the invisible man in the sky mandates banning of ideas that question blind allegiance thereto. This behavior is common to fundies of all religions, and is certainly not confined to "liberals". If anything, that is my "something to say".
BTW, in this specific instance, I would agree that it is ridiculous to ban these teachings to avoid offending Muslims. So no argument there. I just wish to illustrate that this general ban/get outraged about teaching type of behavior comes from many sources, and they are certainly not all "liberals" or Muslims.

Jon, Bloomington,

As had been said in the past, if we don't learn from history we are destined to repeat it. Awareness of the Holocaust and all other historical atrocities needs to be taught. Filtering history through political correctness is dangerous.
These teachers don't belong in the classroom.

Rhonda, Palmer, Alaska

This is really sad - when educators fail to educate important history lessons because they are afraid to 'offend' they fail in their job and they fail the very society they are paid to educate. They are paid to educate, not be pacifists. Really, sad for England. I hope this doesn't cross the 'pond' into the U.S.

Maria, California, USA

Isn't that funny how anyone who has something negative to say about Christians/Christianity has to go back one thousand years' to the Crusades???
Come on already!

R. Ponstingle, Cleveland, OH

I guess this is no surprise - let's just forget all of history and we can all relive it again. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. When that happens I sure hope we don't hurt any feelings.

Dave, Anywhere, USA

Dont judge us by our results, judge us by our intentions. This is the mantra of the liberals in this country and around the world. Thiis is no different than Japan's history books that seem to have a gap reguarding the years between 1940 and 1946, those years just never happened. Whats the old and very true saying, ignore the past and your sure to repeat it. This is an ugly road the " enlightened " ones are leading us down. The end of the road will surly be a disaster.

Mark, La Mirada, Ca.

If it's down to teachers' lack of knowledge, I don't see why this cannot be remedied simply instead of stopping these lessons outright. How illogical.

We need to learn about past atrocities in to cultivate a hate and disgust for such violence and genocide that hopefully, will help us all play a part in preventing it ever occurring again.

If certain races or religions feel they will be looked badly upon because of something in the past, perhaps there's something about their communities right now that we should know.

A Kaur, Birmingham,

Ok.....I am a stickler for detail and a believer in teaching history. Age appropriate education is one thing but not teaching it at all is WRONG. Let's get the quote totally correct.
QUOTATION: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
ATTRIBUTION: George Santayana (1863–1952), U.S. philosopher, poet.
Life of Reason, 'Reason in Common Sense,' ch. 12 (1905-6).

AAAhhhhh I feel so much better having put this here.

Bob P, Arlington, VA

I agree with the decision but for a different reason. I think students in elementary school are too young to have the horrors of the Holocaoust and the Crusades taught to them. They are innocent children. Why rob them of that buy putting horrible inmages and thoughts into their minds.
Let them be care free, at least until High School, when they are morel ikely to br emotionally ready to handle these subjects.

Monique, San Pedro, USA

"'In particular settings, teachers of history are unwilling to challenge highly contentious or charged versions of history in which pupils are steeped at home, in their community or in a place of worship,' it concluded."

Wow! So, from the once great Western civilization that had championed the virtues of logic, reason, and debate in solving political problems and advancing the arts & sciences, we have now succumbed to our own peer pressure in not discussing controversial historical periods. I thought the purpose of an education was to do exactly that which the Brits are now ignoring? When will we reach the breaking point and start fighting for our own civilization instead of destroying it at the behest of the Third World? Sorry, did I just offend some sixth grader somewhere? For shame....

Shane, Washington DC, USA

To Jon of Bloomington,
Note that the article is from the UK. Not exactly the bastion of Christian conservatism. If you would have noted that, then you might have concluded that the probability is very high that the potential offence was toward non-Christians, and non-Jews. Who might that leave in the UK?. You're well read enough to figure that out, I trust.

Ted, California, US

I agree that people shouldn't leave out important historical facts. But American textbooks have been white washing history since it started printing them! Just look at the current US history books. They glorify the "Original Terrorist" Christopher Columbus - he murdered millons of Indigenous people and started the slave trade & yet we celebrate his memory in October!! If that isn't an atrocity than I don't know what is!
Teach children the REAL HISTORY not lily white sugar coating. History is not always sweet & light! It happened so people should know the truth. Every teacher/person should read this brillant book - "LIES MY TEACHER TOLD ME: EVERYTHING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY TEXTBOOK GOT WRONG" by James W. Loewen. That book will open everyones eyes who have been shut for years!

EMARTHLE, Oklahoma City, OK -- USA

That's it, teach your young children to cater to the whims of those they fear. Since your citizens apparently can't be trusted to own firearms, there will be no revolt or any attempt by good people to retake your land from the muslim hordes who've invaded you by stealth or invitation.

So you might as well just get used to the fact that the UK is only a shadow of its former glory, and it's now only a matter of changing your language to arabic and renaming yourselves The United (Arab) Kingdom.

i-live-2-ride, Erie, PA ? USA

Ok, let me get this straight. In the US we should stop covering our Independence because we might offend the British. And, we MUST stop talking about Pearl Harbor, well, because we do have Japanese in our country, and of course the French ... no one can teach about them. The Holocaust is an undeniable event in history that everyone should learn and learn from. And, if a teacher doesn't have the "depth" in a subject she/he must teach, wouldn't it behoove them to get a little depth? Would I try to teach someone how to swim without myself knowing at least the basics. These events in history didn't just happen yesterday; there has been plenty of time to learn of them and plenty of material available. There is no excuse.

Karen, Dallas, Texas

I am so tired of the political correctness in this world. We are going to political correct us right out of the history books. Offensive. I'll show you offensive. I'm offended everytime someone doesn't say "Merry Christmas" to me at Christmastime. I'm offended everytime a nonwhite blames whites for all the ills of the world. I'm offended, as an American of Italian descent, everytime someone call Christopher Columbus a barbarian. I'm offended everytime a Frenchman looks downs their nose at Americans. I'm offended everytime my son is discriminated against because he's a white male. I'm offended everytime a non Catholic blames a Catholic of barbarianism.....................Need I go on?

Virginia Fischette, Staten Island, USA/NY

Ask the 3 million plus people who were killed if they were offended

during the 2nd World War....

Milton Morris, Monroeville, Pa.

It's not like we Muslims have asked for this, or many of the other PC measures designed to 'protect our sensibilities'. So why are we getting so many hyperbolic posts here lamenting the supposed death of western civilisation at the hands of monstrous Muslims? The people who make these strange PC decisions without consulting Muslims are only helping to increase ill-will between Muslims and the wider society. We don't ask for most of these measures that are put in place for our own sake, and the more stories like this do nothing but alienate Muslims from the rest of the country, and beyond. As evidenced from some of the hateful messages posted here.

Kamran Khan, london, UK

To Paul Diffley III: I am certain that Margaret Thatcher is rolling over in her grave, especially considering that she isn't dead.

Steve, Knoxville, US/Tennessee

Let me guess. The Dhimmis don't want to offend MUSLMS? Why should it bother them. Muhammad mass murdered 700 Jews in Medina. Briton is done for.

Craig Johnson, DC, USA

Changing history by ommission or lies smacks of l984.People need to know the truth and both the Holocaust and the Crusades happened.Everyday these same students read about suicide bombers and other atrocities happening today.History teaches us that similar things happen repeatedly.We hope that if we make them think they will be able to create a better world.Certainly this pablum approach is very dangerous and ill considered.

Zolita rapp, South Pasadena, CA

Clarification-
I agree wholeheartedly that to stifle discussion of world history to avoid offending Muslims is wrong and sets a terrible precedent. I mainly wish to communicate my frustration with the fact that when Christians (usually the "conservative" ones) are offended by something like evolution or Harry Potter, they too demand that schools ban such content, and most (not all) posters here have no problem with that, if they even recognize it. The kid with the Bong Hits 4 Jesus will probably be told that his school can control his speech, whereas the 4 yr old girl handing out Jesus fliers at school will be all set. No problem there, right?

Jon, Bloomington,

Well everything was fine and dandy as long as TRUE Confederate history was being changed, not taught and ground underfoot. Now the shoe is on the other foot, how does it feel. Hummmm!!!

GP

George Purvis, Gulfport, Mississippi

God forbid we offend the Muslims! This is strictly PC run amok and one of the MANY reasons why we home school! Our children know about the Crusades, Holocaust, real reasons behind the War Between the States (American Civil War according to revisionist historians - and it was not slavery!), etc. Ensuring children know history (warts and all) is imperative for well-educated, critical thinking capable, young adults who will be contributing members (leaders?) of future societies. Pretty soon we won't teach math because little Johnny can't add and we don't want him to feel bad!

John, Ocala, USA - Florida

Does that mean that the Battle of Britain, which my mother lived through and lost a brother and sister to, did not happen and is not going to be taught either? Are you going to take that out of the schools too? What a sad commentary on the British - and perhaps our world in general.

John Olson, Rochester, MN

Pathetic. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just ignore those things in life and in the world that we don't like.

Bryan, Rockville, Maryland

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. William L. Shirer made these words the epigraph for his Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (1959).

Reason, Athens, Greece

"certain races or religions"
Hmmm, which ones might they be?
Funny how an article on avoiding sensitive subjects avoids them.

Don, Hutto, Texas

Wonderfull! I Hope American schools will stop teaching about slavery in the southern states before the 1860's so as not to offend anyone. Or is it really about offending people? WAKE UP people of the UK before it's too late!

s. williams, chicago, USA/Illinois!

Idiots! How can one learn the lessons of history if it is not taught?

Howard, Warner Robins, USA/Georgia

To the person who said that UK history should be taught and that the UK had nothing to do with the holocaust....please re-read you history..no you did not perpetrate the holocaust, but you did more than your share to fight against it.. the lessons of valor and honour and sacrifice should not be lost either. The school children of today need *real* heros and role models, and the examples of not only the soldiers but your entire country (school children included) at that time should never be forgotten.

Andi Andrzejewski, Buffalo , NY

Parents should refuse to send their children to schools where they know in advance that the children are going to be "lied to". Whether by omission or commission, a lie is a lie.

Mel Myers, Dallas, USA/Texas

To Jon from Bloomington:
You should not hold others in contempt for ignorance when you are just as guilty. The Holocaust was not in the name of God, but fanatical men. Name one time where you read Hitler said 'Jesus made me do this!' Good luck...you won't!

On a larger scale, the U.S. has been suffering through a barrage of lowered standards in all areas of education, including so-called higher education. Of course, to remove actual events from history is ludicrous and irresponsible, however, we have allowed it to occur at home for decades (thanks LBJ!)

Lisa, Small Town, Florida

It is sometimes difficult to talk about the lessons of the past, just like it is difficult to face the realities of the present and the future. Our enemies would like nothing better for us to "stick our heads in the sand" while they move to conquer and oppress us. No spoken word could be as difficult as the reality of life under oppression or being selected for extermination.

Mark Goldstein, Nashville,

If these subjects won't be taught, how long beffore "they never happened"?

John, La Plata, MD

This is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. The events of the past are factual and it is something students need to know about.
Not wanting to offend is just a lame excuse, if you really don't want to offend students then you had better quit teaching that mankind came from monkeys too....

Mario, Nevada, USA

Teachers are saying that they don't want to offend some students so they are dropping talking about historical facts. What is their response to students whose families are affected by the facts? Do teachers care about offending those students who are desirous to learn History? History that has occurred is History, whether we like it or not.

Beverly Jones, Missouri, USA

I think it is beyond words to describe the failure of teachers to teach the truth. I'm sure all history is not 'pretty' or nice but the facts should be told regardless. Once again we are seeing the "sign of the times". My God people wake up!!!!

Tony, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

So the next generation will be trained in ignorance and be doomed to repeat the horrors of their ancestors. The march of mankind's folly continues merrily on despite the "wisdom" of "educators". I hold fast to the absolute that the TRUTH will set one free. Imagine all these students when they discover they've been lied to or imagine them all as instruments in the hands of monsters like Pol Pot. Hmm, I wonder what the "well meaning" educators will think then?

E. Blair, Maryland, USA

WHAT??? This is History, not 'Hope you Feel Good today". I believe someone from England once said "those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it". I remember in the 1970's everyone had a problem because the USSR rewrote their history books to make them look better; this is NO different. You don't rewrite history, you learn from it to make the present and future better.

Steve, Mt Olive, USA / AL

As a teacher of many, many years and have taught about the Holocaust........I would have to disagree to STOP teaching it. My school districts have in place an age/grade level appropriate curriculum for that reason alone. No one would deliberately make any child uncomfortable about these topics, so you choose the appropriate curriculum. In Florida, there is a program in place at a Holocaust Museum that loans "teaching trunks" to teachers for a month. I used this service many times over the years. In Georgia, part of the curriculum invites Holocaust survivors to come speak to 5th graders without including graphic details by allowing the students to carry the program by asking questions. This program is also in the Florida schools. How else will our children know what has happened in the past to make sure it never happens again?
It would be a disservice to NOT share this information in history with our students.

Janice Poirier, Atlanta, GA/USA

This is ridiculous. I have been living in Germany for almost 15 years and the Holocaust is an important part of the school curriculum here. Anyone who denies the Holocaust happened is liable to be prosecuted. Why should any German be offended at the teaching of the Holocaust? They would be more offended by the thought of the schools not teaching about this important part of European history.

Lynn, Duesseldorf, Germany

Who care's if someone is offended? If it is important, factual history then it should be taught. Why are we so afraid to offend people nowadays? If an individual finds history offensive, in my opinion they need to lighten up. In order to learn from history, we have to know the facts about it.

HEather, Moscow, Russia

I have never heard of anything so cowardly and irresponsible. History, and its truths can be ugly and painful, but it should be taught nonetheless. To not teach it is to ignore and dismiss the lessons that can be gained.
If you are not teaching the truth, then you are teaching lies, if only by omission. History and its ugliness does not disappear because you bury your head and the sand and refuse to address it. As a teacher it is your responsibility to teach the truth in an unbiased manner. Anything else smacks of censorship, not sensitivity. If you continue this way, you will have a nation of narrow-minded, self-gratifying morons.

Tammy, New York City, USA

The Crusades happened over a period of years and greatly influenced history. So also did the holocaust occur, and is a terrible monument to a genocide that fortunately failed. Omitting these things from school lessons is simply lying and attempting to hide the truth and to change young people's understanding of history. School personel doing this are intellectually dishonest and politically dishonest as well. The policy should be stopped immediately. School is to teach the truth, not cover it up.

Merwin , Bastrop, Lousiana

Wonderfull! I Hope American schools will stop teaching about slavery in the southern states before the 1860's so as not to offend anyone. Or is it really about offending people? WAKE UP people of the UK before it's too late!

s. williams, chicago, USA/Illinois

In an attempt to not offend our children, let's not offend the memory of those children who died during the Holocaust and Crusades by not teaching what happen.

Bill Thomas, Orlando, Florida USA

"History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity."
- Cicero

Lets not doom the children of tomorrow to repeat the folly of the past

Matt, Washington, DC, USA

Some comments are wrong. The Holocaust occured 60 years ago. The UK did have much to do with the Holocaust. They ignored warning signs that Nazi Germany was killing people in death camps and did little to stop it during the war. Also, the UK and America did not take in many Jews who were seeking refuge from Hitler. Perhaps this is why the U.K. lead the way in creating an Israeli State after the war. Learning the holocaust is very important because it highlights why we must go to war in the name of good vs. evil. The Bush Doctrine of pre-emptive war could have saved millions had it been employed in the late 1930's.

Tom, Rancho Cucamonga, USA, CA

Please can we have our empire back then at least we can start to say we are proud to be British again.

Ajer, Basingstoke, UK

That's a bit of a narrow view, Chris Linthwaite! Only learning British history? Isn't that how it used to be? The world is much smaller nowadays, and children need to learn about "other people's" history too. And since the UK was involved in WWII and fought the Nazis, it -did- have something to do with the Holocaust. British soldiers liberated concentration camps, saw what happened there.

The way you put it, only Germans should learn about the Holocaust.

Starling, Lancaster,

In regards to the comment made about Palestine and Isreal. Historically the state of Judea was the center of a Jewish insurgency, an ill fated attempt to overthrow Roman rule. The resulting war cost over 500 000 lives of Jewish soldiers and many others beside. As a punishment the state of Judea was dissolve and Palestine created instead by the Emperor Hadrian. Palestine was an artifical construct in its day.

What is being taught in schools today cannot really be called education. It is more like 'training' to fit into a culture where mediocrity seems to be celebrated.

pmd, oxford,

Offend who, exactly? Nazis? Who cares if you offend Nazis?

My family suffered in occupied Holland in WWII. Should we forget what made my grandmother risk her life and family by hiding 4 Jewish children? My partner's family was on the other side (in Germany), and suffered in other ways. If they don't teach my son at school, I'll teach him at home.

Starling, Lancaster,

History is our past and people have always learned from their past. This is completely absurd that past events are going to be not taught out of fear of offending somebody or even that they may find it funny as one reply stated.

It is not a history teacher's job to pick out what they think should be taught or not be taught.

Daniel, Freeport, Il

This is very sad. Learning about our past is the only way to prevent the same problems & mistakes occurring again. Surely no one wants to see the events of the Holocaust occur today. When we decide not to teach something because it "might" offend, we are doing a great disservice to future generations.

Veronica Wiese, Juniper, GA, USA

Those whwo do not learn from (about) the past are doomed to repeat it.

Mr. Goodbar, Mariposa,

That is so crazy...now they're rewritting history? Why is it that people are so concerned about offending the Muslims, but could care less about offending Jews and Christians.

So 6 million Jews were exterminated, but we can't talk about it because it might offend someone? How dumb is that? We can't talk about the Crusades because the Muslims might be offended? So years from now, are you not going to talk about Muslim extremists blowing up the Tube, because you don't want to OFFEND Muslims?

Geri, New York, USA / New York

To "Florida72" in Orlando: There are many resources for teaching about the Holocaust. If the approach you are using does not work well with your students, don't drop the topic, but try some different teaching strategies and materials. Young teenagers are often a bit jaded, so you may have to do an end run around their cynicism. One great way to do this is to feature individual accounts from the period. Once students "buy in" to a personal story, they are more likely to care about the historical context. There is a Holocaust museum and memorial in your area (Maitland) that can help with resources and strategies.

To teachers who fear offending students: Do not fear offending someone with your teaching. It is not necessarily a bad thing to be offended. Some of the greatest reforms in the world began with someone who was offended. The question to ask is not, "Am I offended?" but rather "What am I going to do to change things for the better?".

Mitchell Bloomer, Maitland, Florida

We should all grow beards and have women wear burkas and pray five times a day. Why not just surrender to the Muslims? Why not just change history and teach that the Muslims drove out the Christians? Why not say it was the Jews who slaughtered the Nazi's? This way the Mislims can really feel good about themselves!
Liberals are such Jackass', you all make me want to puke!

C. Lucas, Philadelphia, USA

Much of history documents the venality of leadership. Kings, emperors, presidents , imams. History is history. Not teaching it does not make it go away. Offend as many as will be. Call it 'tough love".
And how can so many responders spell so abysmally?

bill shuman, evansville, in

The UK has been driven by Empire Guilt for the past couple decades and it is high time they end it. They are scared to death to offend other peoples, especially any they once ruled. Written history is one of the main things that separates us from animals. We have the ability to "remember" the past in detail. You can never move forward if you don't know where you came from. If you "protect" the children from offensive materials that may lie with the Crusades or the Holocaust, the next generation will never fully understand where they came from and how some bad people were stood up against. My grandfathers fought in WWII so that we would never have to in the future. Not teaching certain aspects of history only demeans those involved and help to gain an audience of ignorant people to the likes of Iran when they say the Holocaust didn't happen. England needs some fresh leaders who will stand up against this political correctness that is ruining a once great nation.

Phillip Adams, Richmond, USA

We are in a Crusade! It is very scary to see so many Neville Chamberlains leading the way.

Tony Schiavino, Clinton, USA / NJ

What an injustice to British school children by not teaching history as it happened because such teaching is believed to be offensive. This pretext. This is a false truth. By not teaching historical truth these teachers are, through omission, teaching historical lies. And, therefore, these British school children are being taught the deceptive practice of lying through the omission of truth. A lie is a lie - it is hatred of that which is true. It is the same hatred that was taught by the Nazis, and it is the same hatred being taught through the manipulation of the Koran.

J. Jung, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.

Roots Roots Roots...where did we come from and why? Sorry, I can't tell you that! Why did we develop the NATO and the UN? Can't tell you that sorry. Is that going to be the answer every time? This is sad.

Brandon, Orlando, Fl

It should obvious that the move to appeasement is underway. People prefer weakness to reality.

And Christopher from the US, I must correct you. Rome was sacked by the Muslims in 822 AD. The first Crusade isn't till 1096 AD. Islamic aggression started far earlier than the Crusades. The Crusades were by and large a defensive war. Islamic aggression continued well into the 19th century until western military powers simply outgunned them technologically. If you don't think so, you should take a look at your morning crescent, which was made to celebrate the defeat of the Turks at the gates of Vienna.

People need to wake up and smell the coffee. WW 3 is already here.

Perry Robinson, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

As a teacher myself for 19 years, George Orwell's "1984" may have arrived a couple of decades late, but it is definitely here.

The US Constitution has provisions to help insure that majority rule would not lead to minority repression. Today, we witness just the opposite. We have minority tyranny emerging. A few (minority) now precludes what the majority wants.

And what of the politicians, or the parents? Well, the politicians are engaged in fundraising, self-aggrandizement, and pursuing personal ideological issues. Parents are busy buying the largest vehicles they can to drive to Burger King to buy triple Whoppers with cheese and then rushing home to watch American Idol. As American waistlines increase, intelligence plummets.

Today, EVERYBODY is offended one way or the other. If this continues, democracy implodes and what emerges is a dictatorship. Then, you REALLY have minority tyranny. s Winston Churchill once said, "People often get the government they deserve."

Michael Magee, Lafayette, Louisiana

This trend, along with the weak and tepid response to the capture of the 15 British sailors would make Margaret Thatcher roll over in her grave.

Capitulation and a desire "to avoid emotional problems" marks this once-great country's decline and fall. Coupled with the reduction of the Royal Navy to 50% of what it was leaves the British with no guts, no national honor, and a regime that tries to appease minority groups at the expense of their soul.

Paul F. Diffley III, Murrieta, Riverside/CA

History does offend. There is no way around that. The annals of humankind are marred with injustice, brutuality and apathy. It is said that focusing on the past can leave someone "one eye blind". Forgeting or ignoring the past will leave us blind in both eyes.

MEANINGFUL learning is about asking students to leave their comfort zones each and everyday. As teachers we need to establish environments were sensitive material can be explored and students with different viewpoints are able to hear each other. To do less to is fall short in our roles as educators.

How are we going to help our students avoid the mistakes of the past if they do not even know about them?
How far will we go to create a politcally correct environment. The result of the "pc "agenda is sterility and it takes the excitement out of learning.

MP

Mike, Brooklyn, NY

What a mess. Now the Liberal left are trying to re-write World History. Who are they so worried about offending?
try re-writing some Arabic History in an Arab Country and see what happens to them. Why can't these liberal idiots see what they are doing? When you destroy the USA, where are you going to go then?

Sherry, Hurricane, WV

This IS PC liberalism at it's worst, ie. "don't do or say ANYTHING that will offend ANYONE." This is of course is ludicrous and impossible to accomplish. Anything will offend someone. Your clothes, opinions, speech, jewlery, hair, customs, etc., etc., etc., offend me and I DEMAND THAT YOU STOP THEM IMMEDIATELY. Is that the kind of free society you want to live in? It sounds alot like fascism and communism to me. Count me out of your fascist, censured, PC correct, society. I would rather live in a free society where independant, unfettered thought and speech are cherished and not censured.

Bill, Cleveland, USA

When did telling the truth become offensive? It appears the British educational system has been taken over by the liberal "feel-gooders" much like the US system. However, I suspect this policy of "no offense" does not apply to all of history's dark chapters. I do not expect to see a lack of or avoidance of teachings concerning Africa's slave trade for fear of offending or making uncomfortable those descended from slave traders or slave owners. Shame on your educational system for putting political correctness above historical facts.

Richard North, Louisville, KY/USA

It appears that children are being 'saved' from possibly being offended by something so when they get older, they will be totally confused and lost when something does offend them. When will people learn that the human brain has been designed to handle these things provided that they children are taught at home ahow to deal with them!!

William Jones, Fort Worth, Texas

the only people who would be offended by the holocaust are the germans, the jews, blacks, gypsies etc would like it to be taught to REMEMBER the suffering so that it won't happen again...

we should at least remember those who died.

Charles, Bangkok, Thailand

If they want to stop teaching the cruisades, they should scrap the Gospel according to St John. Talk about anti-semitism. Oy.

Starling, Lancaster,

By teaching topics such as the Holocaust and the Crusades, you would be just teaching facts and not condemning any nation or minority. I am sure that every nation has a blemish on the history book, so if it comes to that, why bother to teach history at all???

Sarah, Malta,

The holocaust,the crusades. what else are you going to erase from history as to not offend the muslims.they do not have to fly planes into our buildings anymore.the schools will transform the children

jim best, reno, usa,nevada

School history has nothing much in common with academic university history. Children don't know what the word "anti-Semitism" means. They haven't heard of Nietzsche or Wagner. They mix up WWI with WWII. They need to be told the story - a sequence of events which is broadly not in dispute. Later they can ask what the aims of the Nazi anti-Jewish policy were, and whether it was successful in achieving those aims, and why it wasn't copied by the other fascist governments in Europe. However that comes with maturity. For school history they just need to know that the Nazis rounded up and killed millions of people, most of them Jewish.

Malcolm McLean, Bradford, UK

If the schools are going to cut this out of the history books, then they should go ahead and cut out slavery. You wouldn't want to offend any ancestors of slave owners, well do you.

Michael, Radcliff,

Perhaps the wrong side won World War II, oh the Greatest Generations from America and Britian won the war but the suceeding generations have grown weak and spinless. Where is a Winston Churchill or Franklin Roosevelt today when faced with the greatest threat since the end of the Cold War; Islamo Facisism. The service men and women of the States, Great Britian and Australian have the skills, tools and heart to win. It is the limp wristed liberal and weak kneed politicians who are handing victory to a despotic, backward and vicious enemy. Wake up before you are put to the sword. Do you want more bombs in London? I guess Churchill was correct when he said "This WAS their finest hour." Do you no longer have the courage of Richard the Lion Heart, Elizabeth I, Nelson? Or have you, as a people, grown soft with a thousand year history of glorious victories over greater enemies than we collectively face today. History is history, teach it as it is and if they are offended, so be it.

Carl M. Dozier, Chesapeake, Virginia USA

Leaving out historical facts in order to not "offend" is ridiculous- granted teachers teaching US history is not any better. They ignore the real truth about Christopher -THE ORIGINAL TERRORIST- Columbus whom they love to say "discovered the New world". Yeah sure. He not only murdered hundreds of thousands of indigenous people and yet America "forgets" all that & still to this day there is a day honoring his memory! Now if that isn't an atrocity -then I don't know what is! American history teachers have been white washing the REAL history for years! Everyone should read "LIES MY TEACHER TOLD ME: EVERYTHING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY TEXTBOOK GOT WRONG" by Dr. James W. Loewen. That book will open up everyones eyes! Children should be taught the truth - not nonsense!!

EMARTHLE, Oklahoma City, OK -- USA

Do you think Muslim indoctrinators (aka teachers) would so namby-pamby down their lessons to avoid offending anyone. The leftists should be first against the wall when their wussifications lead to jihadist triumph.

William Nowack, Leawood, KS

If it is history and it is true, why not teach it? Isn't that what "history class" is supposed to be about - history? If we don't learn about the mistakes and offenses of the past, we are doomed to repeat them.

David Linkenhoker, Lynchburg, Virginia, USA

If you think this is political correctness gone made, try Austria. There they imprisoned a historian for 3 years for claiming the Holocaust wasnt as bad as history said. He used some dodgy evidence (but evidence none the less) to back his claim, which was a pretty stupid one...but to imprison someone for having an alternative view is something only the Nazi's would do. Of course, no kids would know he was talking bull seeing as they havent been taught the facts of the Holocaust!

MKF, Dover, UK

I dont know why people have impression that Europeans were the cause of the Crusades...they were trying to regain the holy land which was predominantly christian at the time from the Islamic Mamelukes who had invaded and captured Jerusalem and banned pilgrims from visiting the place.

gabe, Dublin, Ireland

ARRGGG!!! Banned words, banned speech, privileged classes that cannot be criticized, prohibited "controversy", the fascists don't have to fire a shot. They have already won.

Dan K, Atlanta , GA

If cerain subjects offend parents of children, then charge
them an increase in tuition to pay for the special sensitive
History Lessons classes.

Simons, Newtown, Pa,UNited States

If the students are not taught the Holocaust, it makes it easier for them as adults to say, "Well, I'm not even sure it happened. We weren't taught that in school." If they're not taught the changes in attitude that took place leading up to Kristallnacht, they won't recognize the similarities around them.

Don, Ballwin, Missouri

I think it is worse than that, because if some teachers don’t speak about the holocaust any more, is not to ease rivalry between their German and Jewish students, I don’t think there are many of them in English school, but because they are afraid of hurting the anti-Semitism of their Muslim students BUT «their motives were generally well intentioned”. Well, that the way I understand this article; I hope I’m wrong.

K. Karbanatek, ostrava, cyech republic

The purpose of the school classroom is to teach the truth, which is for all mankind. If truth offends then it is necessary to offend. For, the offense by the truth is the beginning of a corrective process that will make those who embrace it more considerate of all their fellow men, and wiser in decisions they make.

Doug Nord, Larned, USA/ Kansas

The Nation of England is surrendering its Educational system to the followers of Islam. So much for England being a great country.

I am not surprised since your Sea Caption was unwilling to defend his Sailors and Marines. Might as well make Osama bin Laden the PM and get it over with.

Bill Jackman, Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Having taught the Holocaust in school i can tell your readers that the Kids are not bothered. In fact a number of children (particularly last year) accused me of teaching propaganda to justify Israel's attack on Lebanon, and Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands.

How do you conter this perception, when children are subjected to massive human suffering today on their television screens and through the Internet? They are not empathic to what happened years ago. They are to today's needs, as any UK citizen will attest when they raise funds for Comic Relief, or support campaigns such as Make Poverty History.

And to be honest they have a point, as does Germany when they say that current history lessons misrepresent modern Germany.

The Holocaust occured 75 years ago it does not deserve the prominence in UK schools it currently has. Prominence should be given to the Slave Trade, The Empire, and UK history. The UK did not have anything to do with the Holocaust.

Chris Linthwaite, Beverley, East Yorkshire

The crusades were started as a reaction to Muslim conquest. Get your facts straight.

Joe Parodi, Houston, Texas

I'm offended that these subjects are being watered down. How about that?

N Banks, NC , USA

John of Bloomington - I think it highly unlikely that it's to merely avoid offending conservative Christians. The current aggression in the Middle East is the same as the olde aggression and that "old" goes back indeed to the Crusades. Islam, Chrstianity and Judaism all have rooted memories that span hundres and hundreds of years and notonly form the basis of religuous strength but also a good excuse for a war. Vis the Balkan wars where folk actively remember events 400 years past and still use them as reminders of a struggle that never ends.

To not teach students about that just so as not to offend is to start denying history. Once you deny history - at an organisational and cultural level - you in effect start to create your own history. The danger is not just that history is not being taught - it is that expedient versions of history are being taught behind closed cultrual doors for the purpose of encouraging division. Only cross-cultural schooling can overcome that.

Mike Southern, Westerly, USA

You stupid people...what's next, not talking about sex in schools?

The Crusades and the Holocaust happened...all you will be doing by not telling kids about them is allowing them to remake the mistakes of the past

Zankou, Seventh Circle, Hell

I read the article Jon...its pure British milktoast just like your milktoast Navy-Surrender on the High Seas and Surrender to the Truth in the arts. Too bad your nation was once great, but to be pushed around by Iran and liberal educators all in one week...plus your sailors cave in a few day...too damn bad. Yeah I guess you can blame it on conservatives...Lord knows you need someone to blame for your inability to measure up during a crisis.

Justin , Atlanta, USA

We mustn't offend all the english Nevilles, and teach WWII, or English Catholics about Bloody Queen Bess, and Holy Queen Mary and certainly not about Bluff King Hal and his Nationalization of the Monasteries, it might offend monks, nor the Counter Reformation, the Inquisition with all it's wonderful tortures. The American War of Independence,slavery and the Bristol Traders it goes on ad nauseam.

It's bloody ridiculous, unless you're a Neville coupled with a PC idiot. It's impossible to teach history of any kind with the wimp wuzzy gutless wonders in the English education system.

David B. Monier-Williams, Scottsdale, AZ USA

Just what is controversial about the Holocaust? Even the Crusades, considering they occurred more than 700 years ago, are reasonably well documented. But the Holocaust? Not only are there detailed records made and maintained by the Nazis, including meticulous records of the killings and methods, but there are still many eyewitnesses alive including victims who survived, perpetrators of various stripes, Allied soliders who liberated the camps, and so on.

Who is offended by a factual discussion of the Holocaust? Nazis, who don't wish to be reminded of their crimes? Holocaust deniers? I have given a bit of thought to this latter category of vicious moron. Given an extreme benefit of the doubt, which they probably do not deserve, I have concluded that they are at best paranoid fools. At worst, they are Nazi racists. Not a group that warrants any consideration. Perhaps Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is offended?

Richard Krause, Buffalo, New York

This is just another attack on Jews, as well as Christians. If the left that runs most of our schools are able to erase the past (and they are);and by doing so then they are able to re-write the past with whatever they feel like. Most commonly this happens in post secondary school, however these kids of today will start getting more and more indocternated with these kinds of things as Revalations comes closer and closer. When congress starts to tell chaplins what they can pray, or can not pray and who; and when the schools of America tell our kids that they are not able to wear nor say anything about God or Jesus his son, unless it is used with a four letter word, and when people take it upon themselves the censer out the truth in fear of the anti-defimation league then we get what this world is today. A confussed ignorant people that refuse to stand up for what is right; and how dare these teachers change the truth. May God have mercy on them for doing this, hopefully they change.

George Chako, Moorcroft, Wyoming

To not tell the truth about history only lends itself to history repeating itself. You need to get your act together.

Tom, Jonesborough, TN

All we need to do to see who is behind this is look at the 1930's with the Nazi propaganda - Doing horrific things in the name of a "greater good" - All that was needed in the 1930's was capitulation to the Nazi's and they were able to break treaties, overrun countries and murder millions of innocent people who didn't fit their PC ideas, or who were "offensive" or had "offensive" ideas. It's happening again with the radical muslims. It's a slow bleed and capitulation again. We must teach the Holocaust and our students must respect and understand the history and that includes Muslims. We must stop these radical Muslims from changing our world to suit their world - which is akin to the world of the Nazi's. Maybe that's why they don't want it taught. Is it a bit too close? I agree with another person who posted here -in the words of the Eagles - which is very appropriate - "Get over it- Muslims and all who are offended."

Wayne, Pittsburgh, PA USA

I think that people should learn everything to do with history and if they are offended then find another school. I don't know how it works in the U.K. but here in America, Tax payers are supporting the schools and they should have a say what should be taught and what shouldn't and I am pretty sure that most if not All, would say to keep All of the worlds history in the classrooms. It isn't about nothing but the people who are still wanting the Jews destroyed trying to find away to cover the first Holocaust so they can try for another. Leave the Jewish people alone already all they want is to live like everyone else. You can not hate a race and still expect people to be willing to support you and your views. I Pray that People wake up and take a stand on this because if we don't God Help Us with what will come next. No Mater who likes it ...The Jewish people are GOD's Chosen people but thanks to the Sacrifice our lord Jesus was for us we are all God's Children. God Bless you all .

Sandra, Lincolnton, NC

They used to say that the truth will set you free. I guess that this is no longer true in the "progressive" new world order. Oh, and by the way, the Christians did not start the Crusades. The Crusades were a response to the territorial expansion of Islam. Please try to remember that prior to Mohammed, all of North Africa and most of what is today Iraq and Iran were Christian. Just setting the facts straight.

steve trynosky, fair lawn, nj usa

Isn't this wonderful! More liberal political correctness...

Rest assured little Johnny will be better off not knowing about the Holocaust or the Crusades but he sure as heck will know how to put a condom on a banana courtesy of our public schools.

In todays leftist politically correct world ... everyone wins! Everyone gets an "A".... Everyday has a blue sky... Isn't it just wonderful!

Sorry leftist teachers... In the real world... Sylvester catches Tweety-Bird.... Get used to it.

L.B. Tartaglia, Sun Valley Idaho , USA

If younger elementary school teachers lack factual knowledge, then WHY are they teaching at all? Hiding, altering, or diluting history with a political twist robs current and future generations of the facts about what really happened. The truth and facts, unlike people, should not offend anyone.

Deni Dallas, Bari, Italy

Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it. I do hope that did not come from an "historic' figure. PC only seems to work one, way-anti Western Civilisation. There would be plenty of time to study, if the kids stopped feeling someone's ' pain ', or putting condoms on banana skins.!!!!

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Texas

I teach American history. There is not one subject that is off limits in my class. I try to encourgare all kids to seek more knowledge than just what is discussed in class. In American history - like all history throughout the world - there are things that happened that are good and bad. The reason you learn about mistakes, injustices, etc. is to be informed and hopefully not repeat earlier mistakes and injustices. Our country was formed with the principle of "form a more perfect union" in mind. Our founding fathers didn't say it was perfect - just, let's keeping trying to make it MORE perfect. The Enlightenment was a period in time when people desired to learn. Learning more is good, whether what is learned is good or bad. Sanitizing what is in the history books is not a good thing. Presenting it in the correct context is best way to teach history - you know the cause and effect. Have a great day.

steve , lexington, ky

Ok, so we can't "offend" people, but surely this doesn't mean that it's ok to insult the memory and the suffering of those who died in the Holocaust, the Crusades, the Inquisition, the witch-hunts etc, Maybe it's not correct to mention Jihad in the same breath either?

B. Bruce, Adelaide, Australia

I think it's great. Let's forget about the past, who needs it? Let's make one up that makes us feel happier. Thank goodness for Political Correctness - it's brilliant!

Joe Carr, London,

To not teach a subject on the school curriculum can be ok so long as it is not to deny something happened , the holocaust does not necessarily need to be taught in school anyway as how can anyone go through life without learning about it at some point anyway ?
The daftest thing is teaching things that are clearly wrong such as this creationist nonsense that the world is 6000 years old.

Guy S, hamburg, Germany

One can only hope that the UK, which sacrificed so much to defeat facism and anti-semitism in the last century, will not join with much of the rest of western Europe in this latest incarnation of the scourge.

Rich Varall, Hillsborough, NJ, USA

"Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it." says it best

Greg Corby, Largo , Florida, USA

This is really crazy, you can't change history and when you stop teaching it, you loose it. People should be offened by the Holocaust and the cause of the Crusades. Denial will not change the facts and why are we concerned if the truth bothers a group of people? Why are you allowing a religion to dictate what is taught in school anyhow? If public schools don't get with the program and take a stand - you might as well shut them down _ WHAT IS THE POINT OF KEEPING THEM OPEN IF THEY CAN"T teach the truth anyhow

wilkie, CAMDEN, AR

There is a way to be sensitive to situations which could create bias and ridicule towards present-day innocent parties. Better study on the teacher's part, showing that these social and global offenses are not limited to one particular time in history or country but one that all human beings share a shamed history in (at one time or another), could prevent this.
The danger, however, in doing away with the mention of these agreed upon attrocities risks burying them out back with no headstone, only to see them repeated again in future generations. Better we take the risk of offending now rather than seeing these nightmares occur again in higher percentages.

Alan Hicks, Columbus, Ohio USA

To Christopher Scott Withey Jr:

You say: "I feel that one should not think that a religion or race is evil just because of the past. Christians and Muslims share the Crusades, though Christians started the wars".

If you were a little sharper on history you would know that the first Crusade came AFTER nearly 400 years of attacks, piracy and invasions of European lands by Muslim armies.

Look up Charles Martell, who fought at Poitiers and saved Europe from being overun by Muslims long before the first Crusade.

As it was, Spain was lost to them for centuries.

Patrick, Yorkshire, England

LONDONBAD: Capitol city of The Islamic Republic Of Anglostan.
I sure hope the USA learns from the mistakes of the UK left.
Making a people pay for the sins of it's forefathers is unjust in it's self.
60 years ago 95% of my Mothers side of the Family lived in London. One great aunt is all that is left in the city and over 50% have moved out of the UK.

Phil, Virginia.,

on the eve of Passover which speaks of tyrants and slavery, I think it is outrageous to think we water down history. Is this a reaction to Brits as I feel in America we would not allow this. Perhaps, the Brits are too afraid of some of their populace or their oil connections. I am appalled as one who teaches a course on Hate in my high school.

susan, lakewood, nj

What in the world is history, but the facts of the past. If taught properly there would be no hardship on any one. We can not or should not drop these subjects they happened. I am of German ancestry, and the teaching of the Holocaust never was taken personnally when I was in school. These teachers should not be teachers.

Gerry Maurer, Pensacola, Florida U.S.A.

To Jon in Bloomington, nice try. Schools have been teaching about the Holocaust and Crusades for years and no one has been offended . If you have something to say, say it.

Manny, chalmette,

As a German reader: THAT IS BEYOND ME.
In Germany you will be sentenced and go to jail if you deny the Holocaust. And in UK the Holocaust is cancelled from school. Because muslims are offended. HOW DOES THAT FIT TOGETHER?

What's next? No more pig-pictures in school books?
(In Turkey Winnie the Pooh is already forbidden, because a pig appears).

You cannot cancel FACTS, because someone does not want to hear this facts!!!

Reinhard A., Munich, Germany

We are witnessing a white washing of relative recent history for future generations. To be replaced with what, lifestyles of the rich and fabulous, western pop-culture, the homosexual movement? If this is allowed to happen, just imagine the potential list of legends, myths, and beliefs that are considered non-historical due to 'questionable evidence'. We the sheep of the world are doomed to repeat history we have been allowed to forget.

Brian, Juneau, Alaska, USA

The Holocaust is a compulsory unit in the National Curriculum and I would be worried that teachers are not following the curriculum - it has after all been established for a reason. There are also plenty of fantastic resourses available for teachers designed specifically for children (a simple search on the net will bring up the main ones). It seems to me that the issue here is not political correctness or pro-Islamic sentiment but poor teaching and/or under-trained staff.

Freddie, Swindon, UK

This is absolutely ridiculous! It is a shame that people are actually going to censor history lessons to ovoid "offending" people. HISTORY IS HISTORY and shuld not be changed or altered to apease a gorup of people. Its just another example of how western society is slowly wasting away from within and letting our own culture and history erode beneath our feet. When will we wake up and realize what we are sacraficing?

Clinton, Americus, USA/ Georgia

Facts are facts. The truth needs to be told. If we sell our selves short in order to make the present a little less controversial then we run the risk of repeating the past and thus making our children's future a living nightmare. So the real question that needs to be asked is whether this is being done for the welfare of the children or our selves?

James Manning, Hinckley, USA, Ohio

Offend one group to appease another group. Then the group that is Offended always has to be Offended? How is that justified or is that justification? If it is justification what kind of justification is that? To me the term deal with it comes to mind, but I'll leave that for another time. Seeing how I don't want to Offend those that we don't want to offend? Many more question does come to mind. How does one get to be included in the group that doesn't need to be offended? What or should I say Whom chooses this group that shouldn't be offended? What basis are these Justifications derived from? Is it fair to always Offend the same group? Does this group that's always offended deserve to be offended? Does this other group really need protection from being Offended? Can they not take it, too weak to understand that they are flawed like everyone else? We all belong in the same group,Human Kind. History is for us ALL. Can NOT pick & choose History. Learn it all or nothing. We are who we are.

Joe Parodi, Houston, Texas

I hate to break it to all of you previous posters, but I am fairly confident that is not PC, liberalism, or to avoid offending Iranians/Muslims. I would bet that it is to avoid offending conservative Christians who harangue schools for teaching that injustices have at times been done in the name of God. READ THE ARTICLE BEFORE YOU POST!!!!!!!
"Teachers are dropping controversial subjects such as the Holocaust and the Crusades from history lessons"

Jon, Bloomington,

history has to be told no mattter how harsh it appears to some sects this is not to satisfy a few individuals that they would feel bad or sad but these events have taken place and our ancestors have died(murdered) can we forget them their pain and agony.History has to be told

elzabeth, nj, us

EXCUSE ME?! Don't want to offend? How about offending the Jews and non-Jews who were tortured and murdered by the Nazis? How dare you be so insensitive and unconcerned about teaching history inaccurately? The Holocaust isn't a theory! And teaching the truth, and discussing prejudice and the importance of compassion and responsibility would be a REAL education, instead of being in denial.

Nora, Los Angeles, CA

I feel that one should not think that a religion or race is evil just because of the past. Christians and Muslims share the Crusades, though Christians started the wars. However, this doesn't make them evil. Smae applies with the past of most countries, such as Germany and the Holocoust, America and the Japaneese Interment Camps, Japan and the Banton Death March, America and the A-bomb, and this is only the tip of the history that can offend, but there is something that they miss when they allow themselves to be offended by such material in a history class. They risk repeating the mistakes of their forfathers. Imagine: a second Holocaust occuring, just because the people forgot the first and the effects it caused, another World War, beacause a few counrties decided to use weapons instead of words. Only dictatorial states censor history like this. Just let them learn, teach them, and they may have the knowledge to prevent a like event form happening again.

Christopher Scott Withey Jr, WPB, Fl, USA

So let me get this straight....to avoid offending someone we are suppose to ignore one of the most important events in history?? What is this weak world coming to? History and truth is not always pretty but we must learn from it no matter what. History does not repeat itself, we repeat history!

Emily, Lake Jackson,

It is insane not to teach facts in history because it may offend. How do we learn what would be good to repeat, and what we should avoid repeating? It's a sign of a very weak government that fails to encourage the truth.

M Ortiz, Hereford, AZ, USA

This is political correctness run wild. It's most important to differentiate between sane and insane forms of 'progressive' political thinking.

Also-- communicating about historical persecution doesn't increase tension among ethnic groups-- it lowers it-- sweeping things under the rug is what builds tension, not denial and obfuscation.

Time to replace straightforward thinking with manipulative thinking- that's what these omissions are-- manipulative political contortionism in the service of 'diversity'.

Real diversity thrives in honest settings, not manipulated ones.

Phil Murray, Boulder, Colorado

What's next? The South never had slavery and they paid the Blacks Americans while they were allowed to vote? Teach history.

David, San Jose, CA

Your story doesn't mention where this is going on. Is this an April Fools joke? I can't believe this would actually happen at a school, anywhere.

Fausto, Ocala, FL/ USA

I hail fromTexas and teach 4th grade Texas History. I would never consider eliminating the fact that Texans won their independence from the Mexicans even though 80% of my school is Hispanic. All peoples have a right to know both sides of any story and educators have an obligation to present the material in a forthright manner. "Remember the Alamo!!!"

tseymour, Missouri City , Texas

This is absolutely ridicules. This only supports the theory that if you don't know your history, you are doomed to repeat it.

Kevin Dolan, Rochester, NY, USA

The PROPHET George Orwell saw this coming...he just missed the date by a couple of decades and a couple of years. Dear God, have mercy upon us! What cancer and AIDS are to the human body, political correctness and revisionist history will be to our culture. II Chronicles 7:14

M. W. Corie, Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA

It is simply dangerous to raise a generation of historical morons. All of this political correctness has gotten way out of hand. Schools should be fora of debate and discussion not worrying about some kids feelings. If they disagree, debate it!

Skipp Orr, Kamakura, Japan

Facts regarding history should never be ignored.
Lessons learned are essential to preclude a repeat of unacceptable events.Educationtoday has been reduced
to the point that its vaue is close to a failing grade.
Education process needs to be returnrd back to its
basic process as was done 50 years ago and as
demanded by the taxpayers

John Boseman, San Jose , California

The teachers are dropping portions of history so as not to offend a minority of children/families? Wow. The world is truly going quite daft in the head, isn't it? This is what liberals do to society. Next thing we know, the Holocaust won't have "happened" because people don't want to "offend" those who don't believe it. What about the people who died? Don't we owe it to the honor of their memory to ensure, through education, that history won't repeat itself?

The liberals in society need to stop being "offended" and start being realistic. Children need to know what occured in their histories, both the good and the bad. If a student or family finds it offensive, they can leave the class and do an alternative activity. Its not right to impose the "hurt feelings" of a few onto the majority.

Michelle S, Phoenix, AZ, USA

This is nuts.. Avoiding the harsh realities of our past , so as not to offend, is tantamount to denying that these episodes happened at all. Without the knowledge of what precipitated certain dark periods of history, no matter how gruesome or horrific, our descendants will be clueless to recognise such impending calamities. In our ever increasing attempts to be "nice" to everyone, we may doom all our children to relive those horrors..

M Donaldson, Butler, PA USA

I am a history teacher, and I must sadly admit that I hate teaching the Holocaust. It is not for fear of offending someone, but because children today (I teach 12 and 13 year-olds) can't seem to handle it. They snicker at death, laugh at suffering, guffaw at goose-stepping Nazis. They think it's all a poorly-filmed, black and white horror movie. I get tired of trying to "teach" empathy and understanding for the unfathomable human suffering...something that should be taught at home. Its so disheartening and terribly, terribly scary.

Florida72, Orlando, Florida, USA

The fact is that lack of teaching history does not change the fact that it happened. The truth is true even if no one believes it. And, least we forget, "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." There has never been a perfect culture. We shouldn't be selective. Teach it all.

Denise Shields, Seale, AL, United

Giving in to muslims again,I think they still teach that in teheran but they just say there that there was no holocaust and that christians are murderers infidels and scum so its ok to kill them all,christians if any left will not take ofense there otherwise will be killed or in best case scenario imprisoned.We gave in to Hitler in '38 when they took Austria in the name to preserve peace,than sacrificed czechoslovakia in '39 to preserve peace again next 5 years and 60 million dead prooved us wrong.Than gave in to russians so half of the world was imprisoned by communistsfor 50 years.We should never give in to muslims and if any of them living in UK or other non muslim countries doesn't respect our values than they should leave ,voluntary or not but we are so democratic and that is catch 22 our democracy if not curbed by us will lead to self destruction in next 30 years.....

Jan Borko, Krosno, Poland

Those that don't know history are bound to repeat its mistakes! UNBELIEVABLE THAT POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN LEARNING FROM THE (SOMETIMES) HARSH REALITIES OF HISTORY. These teachers should be ashamed and removed.

Dave B., La grange, IL

If we ignore the lessons of history we are doomed to repeat them. We are all a summary of our experiences and we are good people, therefore, our history was not for nothing, it has made us who we are and we must not forget.

Dana Przybylowski, Huntington Beach, California, USA

Who is going to be offended by teaching about the holocaust? Nazis?

I can view their hurt feelings with equanimity.

Michael Bruce, Selby, Yorkshire

To stop teaching the truth about the Holocaust and the Crusades to our young people is a guarantee they will happen again.

Tim Rickard, Mansfield, TX

As a 5th grade teacher of U.S. History in a private school, I am thankful for the academic freedom to present the truth. I teach my students to listen, learn, question, and apply the information. I find that students grow in their own beliefs as they have the beliefs challenged. True learning comes from understanding all aspects of a given situation. Especially as we study the Holocaust, we learn the values of change and our role to instigate the change in the future.

Donna Howard, Cary, NC

As a historian, I can unerstand the Primary grades, but 8th through 12th would be denied scholar and opportunites to think and to know. As Tacitus said, "The study of History is the torch of truth and the witness of the times". Are we going to teach our children shaded views? Intelligent people and real thinkers want to know truth. Shading history will only produce mediocrity. Everyone is offended on a daily basis. However, this is not important nor does it truely hurt. As young adults grow into mature intelligent adults, the knowledge base is profoundly important. Shame on gutless history teachers. They are doing future generations an injustice. No wonder there are any real problem solvers evolving. Being politically correct has never further advanced understanding. It just creates ignorance.

Jeanie Jones, Whitehouse, Tx.

What a bunch of nonsense!! Because the Muslims in your midst don't like the subject of the Crusades and want to deny the Holocaust occurred, you decide not to teach students about these factual incidents in history? If you don't teach history for fear of upsetting a few students, you will allow them to re-write history to their convenience. Just like 2 + 2 = 4, the crusades happened, and so did the Holocaust. I urge you to reconsider and go back to teaching the truth as it happened.

Arthur, Miami, USA