§1 –

C.18A:35-4.36a

 


P.L. 2021, CHAPTER 32, approved March 1, 2021

Assembly, No. 4454 (Second Reprint)

 

 


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.

 

 

                                

 

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