Faithwire
  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • News
  • Politics
  • Coronavirus Updates
  • Faith
  • Opinion
  • Christmas
  • Set Free Course

New Jersey Becomes Second State to Require Schools to Teach LGBTQ History

Photo by Cecilie Johnsen/Unsplash
Photo by Cecilie Johnsen/Unsplash
Share Tweet
By Tré Goins-Phillips
Editor

February 5, 2019

Earlier this month, New Jersey followed California, becoming the second state in the union to require schools to teach about LGBTQ history.

Under the new law, public school teachers must include lessons about the political, social and economic contributions of gay and transgender people. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed the measure Thursday, according to CNN.

The governor said he was “honored” to sign the legislation, which was modeled after California’s measure, which passed in 2011, and makes teaching “about the rich contributions and accomplishments of our LGBTQ community and those with disabilities” mandatory.

In a tweet about the new requirement, Murphy said students “deserve to know” about the societal contributions of LGBTQ people.

LGBTQ+ history is part of our shared story, and students deserve to know it. Proud to sign a bill that makes New Jersey the second state in the nation to require an LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum in our schools. https://t.co/PuOxTbrzgI

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 1, 2019

“The governor believes that ensuring students learn about diverse histories will help build more tolerant communities and strengthen educations outcomes,” said Christine Lee, a spokeswoman for Murphy.

Christian Fuscarino, executive director of Garden State Equality, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy group, praised Murphy for signing the measure, NBC News reported. He said it’s “critical” for teachers to educate students on “the achievements of LGBTQ people throughout history.”

‘Unplanned’ Movie Director Says Film Was Made ‘For Such a Time as This’

He added, “Our youth deserve to see how diverse American history truly is — and how they can be a part of it one day, too.”

The New Jersey chapter of the national LGBTQ student advocacy group GLSEN also praised the educational mandate.

"By teaching about lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual communities in schools, students will feel more connected, which will help their mental health and ability to learn, said Kathryn Dixon, policy coordinator for @GLSENNNJ." https://t.co/L2MnBK66hT

— GLSEN (@GLSEN) February 4, 2019

But it wasn’t all praise for the new requirement in the Garden State.

Len Deo, founder and president of the right-leaning New Jersey Family Policy Council, criticized the mandate, claiming it infringes on parents’ rights.

“We believe it further erodes the right of parents to discuss this sensitive issue with their children,” Deo said, “if in fact schools are going to be promoting and making the claim that this particular person was an LGBTQ member.”

Latest

  • Media

    ‘That’s Because It Is’: Conservatives Respond to Article About Mom ‘Accused of Child Abuse’ for Raising ‘Theyby’

  • News

    ‘Shame, Shame’: Franklin Graham Compares Republicans Who Voted for Trump’s Impeachment to Judas

  • Media

    ‘This Was Always Their Intent’: Dan Crenshaw Calls Out CNN’s Don Lemon for Saying Trump Voters Are ‘on the Nazi Side’

  • Faith

    Pastors Call on Christians to Ditch the Fear and Political Conspiracy Theories

  • Coronavirus

    China Says It’s Doing Great After Coronavirus. It’s Not.


Sponsored Sidebar Default (2)

Navigation

  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Staff
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Sign up to get our newsletter your inbox every day.

Newsletter Signup

Do you want to read
more articles like this?


Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement