The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution recognizing April 2016 as the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, reported Asbarez Armenian daily newspaper of the US.

The resolution was brought by LAUSD Board Member Mónica Ratliff, and co-sponsored by Board President Steve Zimmer, and Board Members Ref Rodríguez and Scott M. Schmerelson. 

“With a unanimous voice, this board is making sure that our voices are added to the voices of responsible governmental bodies throughout this country, calling upon Congress and calling upon the President to recognize the Armenian Genocide and use the word genocide. We do this because we know that if one genocide is not recognized then all genocides are not fully recognized and acknowledged,” noted Board President Zimmer during his remarks. “All of us who have genocide in our history stood with the Armenian Community proudly last April 24th and we look forward to standing with you and protesting with you at the Turkish Consulate this coming Sunday April 24.”

“L.A. Unified is charged with educating youth about all facets of human history, including wars and genocide, to ensure that such atrocities may never happen again,” said Board Member Ratliff. “The Armenian Genocide and its impact should be recognized.”

This resolution seeks the continuation of teaching Armenian Genocide in the LAUSD curriculum.

“We are grateful to President Zimmer and all the Board of Education Members who made today’s resolution possible and look forward to our continued partnership in providing resources to teachers to pass on to future generations,” stated Elen Asatryan, Armenian National Committee of America Western Region Executive Director.