New Jersey Assembly Bill A891

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, A891 will realign how educational standards regarding diversity and inclusion are implemented in New Jersey. School districts will be required to focus on integrating these important topics into the curriculum at the high school level. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the need to highlight and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in connection with various aspects such as gender identity, race, and abilities. This shift in focus could have significant implications for the training and materials used by educators and how these topics are presented to students.

Summary

Assembly Bill A891 aims to amend existing laws related to diversity and inclusion instruction in New Jersey schools. Specifically, the bill seeks to limit the requirement for school districts to provide diversity and inclusion education to students in grades 9 through 12 only, rather than the previous requirement that included all grades from kindergarten through 12. This legislative change reflects growing discussions around the appropriateness of such subject matter for younger children, with the intent that high school students are better suited to engage with these complex topics.

Contention

The consideration of A891 is likely to ignite discussions among educators, parents, and policymakers about the effectiveness and timing of diversity and inclusion education. Proponents of the bill may argue that it will lead to more age-appropriate discussions about these subjects, while critics might contend that limiting such education to high school could hinder the development of empathy and understanding of diversity in younger students, thereby delaying the necessary groundwork for future discussions.