Bill > A5237

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools. The commission is to consist of 25 members, including: (1) the Commissioners of Education, Children and Families, Health, and Human Services, ex officio, or their designees; (2) the Attorney General, ex officio, or a designee; (3) the former chairperson of the Anti-Bullying Task Force; (4) four public members appointed by the President of the Senate and four public members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, all of whom are to have demonstrated expertise in issues relating to the work of the commission; and (5) 11 public members of the education community appointed by the Governor. The bill stipulates that, to the greatest extent practicable, at the time of appointment, the initial members are to be members of the Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools established pursuant to Executive Order No. 361 of 2024. The commission is to:· review State and local educational policies and practices that impact LGBTQIA+ students;· identify best practices for ensuring inclusive and supportive school environments for LGBTQIA+ students;· recommend strategies to address and prevent bullying, harassment, and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students; · recommend ways to support districts in implementing statutory and regulatory requirements to include instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of LGBTQIA+ figures in an appropriate place in the curriculum;· recommend ways to support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students; · advise on professional development and training best practices for educators and school administrators regarding LGBTQIA+ issues; and · advise the Governor and the Legislature on other issues relating to ensuring safe and supportive school climates for LGBTQIA+ students. The commission is to submit its initial report to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 180 days after the commission organizes. The commission is to prepare and submit annual reports thereafter containing its findings, activities, and recommendations, including any recommendations for legislative action that it deems appropriate to the Governor and the Legislature. LGBTQIA+ students face unique challenges at school, including bullying, discrimination, and lack of access to supportive resources. Over the years, the State has implemented various initiatives to create inclusive school environments. On June 17, 2024, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 361 establishing an executive branch Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools. This commission is to provide advice to the executive branch to support Department of Education's efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ equity in schools. The Legislature strongly supports the executive branch's commitment to ensuring inclusive school environments for LGBTQIA+ students. It is the sponsor's intent to establish a permanent commission to study these issues and recommend legislation to ensure LGBTQIA+ students are shielded from discrimination in New Jersey's schools.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Luanne Peterpaul (D)*,  Jessica Ramirez (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/27/2025)

Official Document