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Bill > AJR236


NJ AJR236

NJ AJR236
Designates August of each year as "Civility Month."


summary

Introduced
11/24/2025
In Committee
11/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This resolution designates the month of August as "Civility Month" in New Jersey. For approximately a decade "Civility Month" has been celebrated by various organizations across the country during the month of August as a way to spread awareness about the need for good manners, respect, and consideration for others. In recent years, American political and social discourse has been fraught with discourtesy and a lack of interest in finding common ground during disagreements. "Civility," meaning courtesy or politeness, allows people to disagree without disrespect, and would greatly enhance social relations among Americans, as well as improve political leaders' abilities to govern. Recent studies indicate that a vast majority of Americans consider incivility to be a growing problem in the United States and many blame social media, the internet, and politicians as key sources of the erosion of civility in our society. Most Americans have reported experiencing incivility online or in public spaces and believe incivility leads to cyber-bullying, harassment, violence, intimidation, discrimination, intolerance, isolation, lack of safety, and less community engagement. The majority of Americans also believe that civility benefits society by easing tension and conflict and allowing politicians to find common ground to solve problems. Designating the month of August of each year as "Civility Month" will increase awareness of the problems incivility causes and promote civil discourse and behavior across the State.

AI Summary

This joint resolution designates August of each year as "Civility Month" in New Jersey to address the growing problem of discourteous behavior and lack of respectful dialogue in American society. The resolution acknowledges that incivility has become increasingly prevalent, with many Americans experiencing disrespectful interactions online, in public spaces, and in political discourse. By formally recognizing "Civility Month," the state aims to raise awareness about the negative consequences of incivility, such as cyber-bullying, harassment, discrimination, and reduced community engagement. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, residents, and organizations to reflect on the importance of civil discourse and participate in activities that promote mutual respect, good manners, and constructive communication. The goal is to highlight how civility can help ease social tensions, facilitate problem-solving, and improve overall social relations by allowing people to disagree without being disrespectful.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 11/24/2025)

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