ASSEMBLY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4454

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 22, 2020

      The Assembly Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4454 with committee amendments.

      As amended, this bill requires school districts to provide instruction on diversity and inclusion 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:

· eliminate specific reference to the Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Standards; and

· provide that the instruction on diversity and inclusion will highlight and promote economic diversity and examine the impact that unconscious bias and economic disparities have at both an individual level and on society as a whole.