NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S419

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S419

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight.

Impact

If enacted, S419 will alter the educational landscape in New Jersey by exempting students in the specified grades from receiving instruction related to diversity and inclusion, which has been seen as an essential component in fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. The removal of these requirements may lead to a gap in education addressing critical social issues, undermining efforts to prepare students to engage in a diverse society. Critics of the bill argue that such changes risk perpetuating misconceptions and biases by limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and conversations from an early age.

Summary

Senate Bill 419 (S419) proposes significant changes to the educational curriculum requirements regarding diversity and inclusion for students in grades K through 8 in New Jersey. The bill seeks to remove the current mandates that require school districts to incorporate instruction on diversity and inclusion into the curriculum for these younger students. Currently, under the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, schools are required to educate students about various aspects of diversity, such as racial and economic disparities, gender identities, and social inclusion.

Contention

The bill's introduction has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and education advocates. Supporters of S419 argue that it is a necessary move towards reducing what they see as governmental overreach into educational practices, asserting the need for parental control and local decision-making in education. Conversely, opponents maintain that eliminating these requirements could have detrimental effects on students’ understanding and acceptance of diversity, thus hampering efforts to promote equity and inclusion within schools. The discussions surrounding S419 reflect broader national conversations about educational curricula and the role of schools in addressing social issues.

Companion Bills

NJ S2385

Carry Over Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight.

NJ A3824

Carry Over Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2385

Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight.

NJ A3824

Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight.

NJ A891

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.

NJ A2720

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.

NJ S4409

Repeals law that requires diversity and inclusion instruction for public school students in grades kindergarten through 12.

NJ A5560

Repeals law that requires diversity and inclusion instruction for public school students in grades kindergarten through 12.

NJ A5630

Mandates biennial LGBTQ+ cultural training for certain educators, healthcare professionals, and State employees.

NJ HB115

Removes certain instructional requirements for students in kindergarten through third grade

NJ A1517

Requires school districts to provide anti-bias instruction as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies; requires school districts to designate chief equity officer or affirmative action officer.

NJ S3106

Requires school districts to provide anti-bias instruction as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education; requires school districts to designate chief equity officer.

Similar Bills

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