N.J. schools must teach about unconscious bias, economic inequality, new law says
Updated Mar 02, 2021;
New Jersey schools must begin age-appropriate lessons about diversity and inclusion as early as kindergarten under a new law signed Monday by Gov. Phil Murphy.
The law, which several Republican lawmakers vocally opposed, calls on schools to promote “economic diversity, equity, inclusion, tolerance, and belonging in connection with gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, and religious tolerance.”
It also asks schools to “examine the impact that unconscious bias and economic disparities have at both an individual level and on society as a whole.” The law takes effect next school year.
The New Jersey Assembly approved a bill that requires schools to include diversity and inclusion learning for kindergarten through 12th grade starting with the 2021-2022 school year.
Bill A4454 is headed to Gov. Phil Murphy to sign. If he signs it, school districts will need to incorporate lessons that highlight and promote economic diversity equity, inclusion, tolerance and belonging in connection with gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, religious tolerance and unconscious bias.
A supporter of the bill in its previous form, Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris) said he s against teaching young children about gender preferences and sexual identity.