Bill > A2042

This bill requires the Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Health, to create and distribute guidance to public schools on how to accommodate students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons. This guidance will offer recommendations on providing flexibility for physical education, athletic participation, and exams, as well as strategies to support students without negatively impacting their academic standing or access to instruction aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards, which are the state's educational benchmarks. The guidance will also cover communication with parents, professional development for school staff, and will explicitly state that schools cannot alter graduation requirements or force students to make up missed work due to these accommodations, unless otherwise specified in an individualized education program or other laws. The commissioners will consult with various stakeholders, including educators, health professionals, and community organizations, and the final guidance will be posted on the Department of Education's website within a year of the bill's enactment.