By Rabbi Noson Leiter
I was recently asked why I’m spending so much time fighting A4454 in New Jersey. This bill
states: “Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, each school district shall incorporate
instruction on diversity and inclusion in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in
kindergarten through 12.”
It requires this instruction to (1) “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”; (2) “examine the impact
that unconscious bias and economic disparities have at both an individual level and on society as
a whole”; and (3) “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.”
Many people instinctively support tolerance, but the fact is that teaching children to respect open
practitioners of LGBT sins erodes one’s natural revulsion for these sins. Sodomy is actually a
capital crime (Vayikra 20:13, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 9:6) and called an "abomination" in
the Torah (Vayikra 18:22).
However, some may wonder: Why spend so much time fighting this particular piece of
legislation? There are several reasons. Here are some:
1. Among the proponents of this bill are several Jews, so we must ensure that the broader
American community understands that Torah Jewry stands unequivocally against it and any
other bill that seeks to indirectly legitimize sin under the rubric of teaching tolerance.
2. Frum Jews are responsible for the actions of their representatives, especially if they vote for
them.
3. Unfortunately, several frum organizations publicize their involvement in public advocacy
when it comes to seeking government assistance, but are generally nowhere to be seen in
addressing spiritual threats. Such behavior conveys the impression that the average Orthodox
Jew cares more about financial needs than spiritual threats. We must correct this impression –
and chillul Hashem.
4. Even if one only cared about Jewish souls alone, it goes without saying that most non-
Orthodox Jews send their children to public school.
5. If we stay silent now, “tolerance" curricula will eventually make their way to yeshivos.
Already in England, the government harasses frum schools that don’t teach about homosexuality
and related matters. There’s no reason to believe that state governments and the federal
government in America won’t eventually follow suit. Indeed, New York two years ago tried to
push for such tolerance instruction in its controversial education guidelines.
6. Consider the new crop of voters that will emerge from such instruction. How will any
candidate be able to support traditional morality and win an election if the next generation is
taught that traditional morality is intolerant?
May we merit a speedy redemption in the merit of standing up for children who can't stand up
for themselves.
