Text of NJ A 2720 (2024)

ASSEMBLY, No. 2720 STATE OF NEW JERSEY 221st LEGISLATURE PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2024 SESSION Sponsored by: Assemblyman BRIAN BERGEN District 26 (Morris and Passaic) SYNOPSIS Limits requirements for school districts to include instructions on diversity and inclusion as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards to grades 9 through 12. CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel. An Act concerning diversity and inclusion instruction in schools and amending P.L. 2021, c.32. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. Section 1 of P.L. 2021, c.32 (C.18A:35-4.36a) is amended to read as follows: 1. a. 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 grades [kindergarten] 9 through 12 as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. b. The instruction shall: (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. c. The Commissioner of Education shall provide school districts with sample learning activities and resources designed to promote diversity and inclusion. (cf: P.L.2021, c.32, s.1) 2. This act shall take effect immediately. STATEMENT This bill provides that students will receive diversity and inclusion instruction in grades 9 through 12. Under current law, school districts are required to provide students in grades kindergarten through 12 instruction on diversity and inclusion as part of the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. This type of instruction is not age appropriate for young children and is better suited for students in high school.