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NJ AR146
NJ AR146Encourages institutions of higher education to address lack of representation of Hispanic and Latino leadership in higher education.
summary
Introduced
06/28/2024
06/28/2024
In Committee
06/28/2024
06/28/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution encourages institutions of higher education in New Jersey and across the United States to address the lack of representation of Hispanic and Latino presidents of institutions of higher education. Colleges and universities in New Jersey and across the country have seen significant increases in enrollment of Hispanic and Latino undergraduate students in recent decades. Currently, approximately 20 percent of undergraduate students in the United States and approximately 25 percent of undergraduate students in New Jersey identify as Hispanic or Latino. However, while college enrollments increasingly reflect the rich diversity of this State and nation as a whole, the leadership in institutions of higher education does not. In 2023, only six percent of presidents of institutions of higher education in the United States identified as Hispanic or Latino and there is currently only one Latino president leading an institution of higher education in New Jersey. The lack of diverse leadership among institutions of higher education is of great concern as creating a leadership team that is reflective of the student body is critical to promoting inclusivity and belongingness among students, understanding students' diverse needs and interests, and ensuring students feel safe, seen, and heard. Thus, this resolution encourages institutions of higher education in New Jersey and across the United States to address the lack of representation of Hispanic and Latino leadership in higher education by establishing and expanding leadership development programs, enhancing the diversity of governing boards and search committees, and actively engaging with organizations dedicated to the advancement of Hispanic and Latino leaders in higher education.
AI Summary
This resolution encourages institutions of higher education to address the significant underrepresentation of Hispanic and Latino presidents in leadership roles. Despite Hispanic and Latino students comprising approximately 20-25% of undergraduate populations nationally and in New Jersey, only 6% of college presidents in the United States identify as Hispanic or Latino, with just one Latino president in New Jersey's higher education institutions. The resolution highlights the importance of diverse leadership in creating inclusive campus environments, understanding student needs, and supporting academic success. It calls on colleges and universities to take concrete steps to improve representation, including establishing leadership development programs specifically for Hispanic and Latino professionals, diversifying governing boards and search committees, and collaborating with organizations that support Hispanic and Latino leadership advancement in higher education. The resolution is motivated by survey data indicating that Hispanic students often feel disrespected, discriminated against, or unsafe in their educational settings, and argues that increasing diverse leadership can help create more welcoming and supportive academic environments that benefit students, institutions, and society.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee (on 06/28/2024)
Official Document
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR146 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/146_I1.HTM |
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