ASSEMBLY, No. 4454 STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

[First 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)

 

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblywomen Vainieri Huttle, McKnight, Jasey, Lampitt, Assemblyman Wimberly, Assemblywomen Lopez, Timberlake, Carter, Swain and Assemblyman Tully

 

 

 

 

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 Assembly Education Committee on October 22, 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 9 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.