[Second Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4454

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

219th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED JULY 27, 2020

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman  CAROL A. MURPHY

District 7 (Burlington)

Assemblywoman  VERLINA REYNOLDS-JACKSON

District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)

Assemblyman  ANTHONY S. VERRELLI

District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)

Senator  RICHARD J. CODEY

District 27 (Essex and Morris)

Senator  BOB SMITH

District 17 (Middlesex and Somerset)

Senator  M. TERESA RUIZ

District 29 (Essex)

 

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblywomen Vainieri Huttle, McKnight, Jasey, Lampitt, Assemblyman Wimberly, Assemblywomen Lopez, Timberlake, Carter, Swain, Assemblyman Tully, Senators Singleton, Gopal, Assemblyman Johnson, Assemblywomen Quijano and Jimenez

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Requires school districts to include instruction on diversity and inclusion as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As reported by the Senate Education Committee on December 7, 2020, with amendments.

  


An Act concerning diversity and inclusion instruction in school districts and supplementing chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

      1.   a.  Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, each school district shall incorporate instruction on diversity and inclusion 1[into] in an appropriate place in1 the curriculum 1[for] of1 students in grades 2[9] kindergarten2 through 12 as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards 1[in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education]1.

      b.   The instruction shall:

      (1)  highlight and promote diversity 1, including economic diversity1, equity, inclusion, tolerance1,1 and belonging 1[on topics including:] in connection with1 gender and sexual orientation1[;] ,1 race and ethnicity1[;] ,1 disabilities1[;] , and1 religious tolerance; 1[and unconscious bias; and]1

      (2)  1examine the impact that unconscious bias and economic disparities have at both an individual level and on society as a whole; and

      (3)1  encourage safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students regardless of race or ethnicity, sexual and gender identities, mental and physical disabilities, and religious beliefs.

      c.   The Commissioner of Education shall provide school districts with sample learning activities and resources designed to promote diversity and inclusion.

 

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately.