U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), two of the co-chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus, recently unveiled a bipartisan resolution that seeks to promote peace and tolerance through education across the Middle East.
House Resolution (H.Res.) 1476 would emphasize ongoing reforms to national curricula to reduce antisemitic content, combat hate speech, and foster mutual respect and understanding, particularly in countries such as Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Rep. Wagner and Rep. McMorris Rodgers cosponsored H.Res. 1476 on Sept. 19 alongside fellow caucus co-chairs U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and David Trone (D-MD).
“As our partners in the Middle East educate the next generation of leaders, it is clear that peace and stability in the region depend on an end to antisemitism and hate speech — period,” Rep. Wagner said. “This resolution advances that important mission and makes it clear antisemitism has no place in educational and other organizations throughout the Middle East.”
“By rejecting bigotry and adopting educational curricula that affirm the importance of mutual respect, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence,” added Rep. Wagner, “we will deprive the Iranian regime and its proxies of the hatred that fuels their violent agendas.”
Rep. Schneider, who sponsored the resolution, said it underscores the importance of educating future generations with the values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
“Education is a cornerstone of the foundation we are building to achieve long-lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East,” added Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “Together, we must help the next generation open their hearts and minds to see each other with dignity and respect. Our bipartisan resolution is about embracing this change and rooting out the hatred that is standing in the way of a brighter future for us all.”
Among several provisions in the resolution, H.Res. 1476 would encourage the U.S. State Department to proactively engage with countries in the region to press for curricular reform in bilateral dialogues and to support the resolution, according to the text.