New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4421

Introduced
5/16/24  

Caption

Prohibits institution of higher education from using cultural competency as criteria for consideration in making certain personnel determinations.

Impact

The enactment of A4421 would significantly alter employment practices within New Jersey's higher education system. By removing cultural competency as a criterion, the bill seeks to create a more uniform standard for hiring that does not favor or penalize candidates based on these areas of knowledge. Institutions that do not comply with the outlined restrictions would face consequences, including the potential loss of state funding necessary for their operational and capital costs, which could impact their overall financial stability.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4421 aims to prohibit institutions of higher education in New Jersey from using cultural competency and knowledge of specific ethnic or religious groups as criteria in their hiring and promotion decisions. The legislation asserts that inclusion of such criteria can be discriminatory and should not affect personnel determinations. The bill indicates that these specific attributes should not be considered in the evaluation of candidates for employment, thereby influencing the hiring processes within these educational institutions.

Contention

A point of contention regarding A4421 revolves around the implications of removing cultural competency from employment considerations. Supporters of the bill argue that it prevents reverse discrimination and protects candidates from being evaluated on potentially biased criteria. Conversely, opponents may express concerns that this approach undermines the importance of diversity and inclusiveness in educational settings, where understanding cultural contexts can enhance learning and student success. There may also be fear that excluding cultural competency could lead to less culturally aware educators and staff.

Companion Bills

NJ S3211

Same As Prohibits institution of higher education from using cultural competency as criteria for consideration in making certain personnel determinations.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3211

Prohibits institution of higher education from using cultural competency as criteria for consideration in making certain personnel determinations.

NJ S3212

Prohibits public institution of higher education from entering into certain partnerships with institutions of higher education located in Palestinian territories.

NJ A4423

Prohibits public institution of higher education from entering into certain partnerships with institutions of higher education located in Palestinian territories.

NJ SB1678

Higher education; prohibiting certain institutions of higher education from using state resources to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Effective date. Emergency.

NJ HB1152

Cultural competency in education.

NJ SB543

Prohibiting state educational institutions from endorsing discriminatory ideologies, using diversity, equity and inclusion statements or providing preferential consideration on the basis of such discriminatory ideologies.

NJ A3944

Requires campus diversity actions at public institutions of higher education and directs Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights to develop guidance regarding diversity in faculty search and selection process.

NJ A2467

Requires campus diversity actions at public institutions of higher education and directs Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights to develop guidance regarding diversity in faculty search and selection process.

NJ SB1410

Higher educational institutions, public; duties of governing boards.

NJ H0731

Standardized Tests for Admission to Medical Institutions of Higher Education

Similar Bills

IN SB0448

Higher education and workforce development matters.

NJ S3211

Prohibits institution of higher education from using cultural competency as criteria for consideration in making certain personnel determinations.

CA AB746

Learning-Aligned Employment Program: eligibility.

CA AB3015

Public postsecondary education: exemption from nonresident tuition and fees: federally recognized Indian tribes.

CA SB851

Personal Income Tax Law: Small Business Relief Act: elective tax.

CA AB1456

Student financial aid: Cal Grant Reform Act.

CA AB2030

Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program.

NJ S3562

Provides for designation and establishment of Public Health Institute in New Jersey.