New Jersey Assembly Bill A3647

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22

Caption

Prohibits public employers from requiring and funding training courses that pass blame or judgment on basis of race, ethnicity, or sex.

Impact

The implementation of A3647 would impact state laws concerning public employment practices. By restricting the types of trainings that can be required or funded, public employers would need to reassess their training programs to ensure compliance. Moreover, this could lead to a significant shift in how diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are structured within public organizations across New Jersey, particularly as public entities seek to balance compliance with the intent of fostering an inclusive workplace culture without infringing on the provisions of this bill.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3647, introduced in New Jersey, prohibits public employers from mandating employee training programs that encourage participants to blame or judge individuals based on their race, ethnicity, or sex. This legislation aims to eliminate what some proponents consider divisive or critical teachings regarding race and personal responsibility within the framework of these trainings. The bill explicitly allows for training related to sexual harassment, ensuring that the prohibition does not extend to that necessary training, but seeks to draw clear boundaries regarding other forms of required training.

Contention

There is likely to be contention surrounding the implications of A3647, particularly among advocates for racial equity and diversity training. Critics argue that such a bill may hinder efforts to educate employees on the structural inequities that affect people based on race, ethnicity, or sex. Supporters, however, argue that the bill is essential to prevent the perceived stigmatization and guilt that can result from certain types of training that they believe unfairly target individuals based on their demographic characteristics. The discussions around the bill suggest a significant societal debate over the balance of education about race and personal accountability.