SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4454

 

with committee amendments

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  DECEMBER 7, 2020

 

      The Senate Education Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 4454 (1R) with committee amendments.

      As amended, this bill requires school districts to provide instruction on diversity and inclusion in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The instruction will:

·        highlight and promote diversity, including economic diversity, equity, inclusion, tolerance, and belonging in connection with gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, and religious tolerance;

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

·        encourage safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students regardless of race or ethnicity, sexual and gender identities, mental and physical disabilities, socioeconomic status, and religious beliefs.

      Under the bill, the Commissioner of Education will provide school districts with sample learning activities and resources designed to promote diversity and inclusion.

 

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to provide that the instruction on diversity and inclusion will be included in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12.

      As amended and reported by the committee, this bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 2781 (1R), which also was amended and reported by the committee on this same date.