PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island schools will have to teach students about genocide and the Holocaust under a new law signed by the governor.

Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo announced last week that she signed the bill.

Beginning in fall 2017, school districts will have to educate middle or high school students about the subject at least once before they graduate from high school.

An earlier 2011 law encouraged schools to make curriculum materials available about the Holocaust and genocides in Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda and elsewhere. The new law makes teaching the subject a requirement.

East Providence Democratic Rep. Katherine Kazarian says it’s not a pleasant topic but it’s important for children to study in order to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.

Originally published HERE