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In February of last year, Gov. Murphy signed a bill requiring public boards of education to "include instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, in an appropriate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school students." The standard for the instructional materials mandated "inclusive instructional materials that portray the cultural and economic diversity of society including the political, economic, and social contributions of persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people where appropriate." The law is effective for the 2020-21 school year. New Jersey became the second state to mandate such education. When he signed the legislation, Gov. Murphy announced that he did so to teach about the contributions and accomplishments of the LGBTQ community and those with disabilities: "The Governor believes that ensuring students learn about diverse histories will help build more tolerant communities and strengthen educational outcomes." The goal was also to prevent bullying and incidents of bias.

The first pilot program was recently launched at Union County College with 12 schools participating. The curriculum is likely to include references to Sally Ride, the first lesbian astronaut, and Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man so she could serve in the Continental Army. Stonewall riots will become part of the civil rights discussion. Students will learn that President Franklin Roosevelt suffered from polio and sometimes used a wheelchair. Every pilot school will employ one to two parent education workshops for parents to view the curriculum and provide feedback.

Conservative groups opposed the legislation, claiming that it deprives parents of their authority and may encourage children to question their sexuality.

We support the legislation and its implementation. Exposing young people to more inclusive history fosters diversity and accuracy. People with disabilities and members of the LBGTQ community have contributed to our country; students should know that. Exposure to this information will make students more comfortable about their sexuality or gender identity at a sensitive time in their lives and that is the purpose of education. Individuals with disabilities will have important role models to emulate.