TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, Senator Brian Stack, and Senator Angela V. McKnight requiring the State Board of Education to incorporate Latino and Hispanic American history into New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Social Studies and English Language Arts.
“A study by Johns Hopkins University found that 87% of ‘key topics in Latino history’ are either left out of textbooks entirely or reduced to fewer than five sentences, leaving a profound gap in the story of America. Latinos have been at the forefront of shaping this country since its earliest days – fighting in every war, marching for civil rights, and using our talents to build businesses and drive the economy forward. Our children deserve to see that history reflected accurately and Latinos represented in exceptional spaces,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz.
“This legislation will diversify our curriculum and shine a light on the contributions of Latinos – the artists, scientists, athletes, public servants, and countless others – who have left an indelible mark on our nation.”
“Through today’s bill signing, we are cementing the legacy of New Jersey’s Latino and Hispanic communities,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I am especially proud to sign this bill during Hispanic Heritage Month, ensuring that the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities are taught in our nation-leading public education system. By teaching students about their neighbors, we are raising a more informed next generation of future leaders in the Garden State.”
“New Jersey’s learning standards require instruction that reflects the diversity of our communities and our cultural heritage,” said New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “Codifying Hispanic and Latino history instruction into law is an important extension of that commitment. The Department will work in partnership with the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage to provide districts with resources that support effective implementation of this requirement, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive understanding of our collective history.”
“Nearly one-quarter of New Jerseyans identify as Hispanic or Latino, as does a large portion of my district,” said Senator Stack (D-Hudson). “It is important for students to see themselves and the diverse community around them reflected in their school’s curriculum. Providing classroom instruction on Latino and Hispanic American history will only enrich New Jersey’s public schools even further.”
“Crafting a diverse curriculum in New Jersey public schools is imperative if we wish to achieve a more inclusive future,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “The contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to our state and country are great and deserve to be recognized in every classroom. I thank Governor Murphy for his commitment to ensuring our children learn the rich history of all the beautiful people, cultures, and stories that surround us.”
“A3871 will help Latino and Hispanic children see themselves reflected in the history they learn and understand how leaders from their communities have shaped this country,” said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin. “Representation matters, and as New Jersey’s Latino population continues to grow, it’s important that our students learn a history that reflects the diverse voices and contributions that make up our state and nation. In my district, this growth is part of our daily life, and I’m proud to support a bill that celebrates Latino culture and strengthens the education of our children.”
“We commend this move to broaden New Jersey’s curriculum for all students,” said NJEA President Steve Beatty. “Latino and Hispanic history is an inextricable part of American history. Understanding that history is an important part of understanding who we are as a nation. As a social studies teacher myself, I know how important it is to be intentional about introducing students to a broader range of voices, experiences, and perspectives. This new law will help us do that more effectively.”
Under the law, the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage, will provide school districts with sample learning activities and resources that may be used to support this instructional requirement.
