The United Teachers of Los Angeles House of Representatives (UTLA), the policy making body for the nation’s second largest teacher union local adopted a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide, Asbarez reported.

The resolution recognized 2015 as the “Year of Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and the month of April of every year thereafter as the month of Commemoration of the Anniversary Genocide”, reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR).

“Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the UTLA’s leadership and membership for taking this historic and critical step to ensure that the Armenian Genocide is properly taught to the students and staff at LAUSD; and to educators Mr. and Dr. Sean and Suzie Abajian for leading the effort, Jose Lara and many others for their continuous support,” stated ANCA WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan.

“This motion is particularly important because having the support and commitment of the teachers who are in the classrooms will ensure that genocide studies remains an important part of the high school social studies curriculum. We look forward to working with them and connecting them to the Genocide Education Project in providing the proper materials they may use both in World and American History classes to teach the next generation about the Armenian Genocide,” added Asatryan.