New Jersey Assembly Bill A1363

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Directs Commissioner of Education to develop sensitivity training program for high school athletic directors, coaches, and sports officials of interscholastic athletic sports programs.

Impact

If enacted, A1363 will significantly impact the training protocols for athletic personnel in public and nonpublic high schools. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association will be required to mandate that all coaches and athletic directors complete this training program every four years. New hires will have to finish the program within their first year, ensuring that all returning personnel remain current with sensitivity training. This change is seen as a proactive effort to improve inclusivity and understanding among those involved in interscholastic sports.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1363 proposes the establishment of a sensitivity training program aimed at high school athletic directors, coaches, and sports officials involved in interscholastic sports programs in New Jersey. This bill tasks the Commissioner of Education with the development of a comprehensive training curriculum that addresses critical topics such as gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, religious tolerance, unconscious bias, and overall diversity and inclusion. The aim is to foster a more respectful and understanding environment in high school athletics.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing important social issues, there may be concerns about the implementation and oversight of such a program. Opposition may arise regarding the resources required for training and the logistics of certifying trainers and sport officials. Additionally, discussions on the appropriateness and adequacy of the program's curriculum could emerge, as stakeholders might have differing views on what constitutes effective sensitivity training in the diverse landscape of New Jersey’s public education system.