VICTORY!!! New Jersey has become the second state in the nation after California to adopt a law that requires schools to teach about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) history in a move hailed by civil rights groups as a step toward inclusion and fairness.
Governor Phil Murphy, promised to promote equality for gay and transgender people during his campaign, signed the bill Thursday, January 31, 2019.
In other exciting New Jersey LGBT news, Jaime Bruesehoff, of Vernon, whose 12-year-old transgender child Rebekah spoke in support of the bill in Trenton in December.
“This bill is so important for our young people,” Bruesehoff said. “They need to see examples of themselves in the history being taught and in classes they are going to each day. We know representation matters.”
Under the measure, public schools must include lessons about the political, economic and social contributions of individuals who are gay and transgender, starting in the 2020-21 school year. The bill also requires teaching about contributions of people who are disabled.
The law does not apply to private schools.
Leaders of civil rights and advocacy groups said the law will give students a fuller history of the United States, promote understanding and help children feel included in school.
“Our youth deserve to see how diverse American history truly is — and how they can be a part of it one day, too,” said Christian Fuscarino, executive director of the advocacy group Garden State Equality.
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