New Jersey Schools Will Teach LGBT History

New Jersey became the second state in the country after California to enact a law requiring schools to teach LGBT history. Civil rights advocates consider such a decision a step towards integration and justice.

Фото: Depositphotos

On Thursday, the bill was signed by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who promised to promote gay and transgender equality during his election campaign, writes USA Today.

“This bill is so important for our youth,” said Jaime Brueshoff, the mother of a 12-year-old transgender child. “They need to see examples of themselves in the history they teach and in the classes they take every day. By learning about LGBT people who have made amazing contributions to their country, they see opportunities for themselves and hope for the future,” she said.

As part of this measure, public schools should include lessons on the political, economic and social contribution of gay and transgender people. Lessons should appear in schools starting in the 2020-21 school year. The bill also requires lessons about the activities of people with disabilities.

The law does not apply to private schools.

Leaders of human rights groups have said that the law will give students a more complete history of the United States, will promote mutual understanding and help children develop inclusiveness in school.

“Our youth deserve to see how diverse American history really is — and how they can one day be a part of it,” said Christian Fuscarino, executive director of the advocacy group Garden State Equality.

Conservative organizations oppose the proposal for teaching LGBT history, stating that such demands take away power from their parents and may encourage children to question their sexuality.

Lin Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, said he opposed the bill because it infringed the rights of parents.

"We believe it undermines the right of parents to discuss this sensitive issue with their children if schools are going to promote and claim that this particular person was a member of the LGBT community," he said.

Deo said that teaching history is worth talking about achievements without discussing sexual orientation. He noted that the law against school bullying, which is considered one of the strongest in the country, is already working in New Jersey. But despite this, many students in New Jersey still report harassment and lack of support due to their sexual orientation or how they determine their gender, according to a survey conducted a month ago.

Catherine Dickson, coordinator of the Northern New Jersey policy for the GLSEN organization, says that LGBT history lessons will help students' mental health and enhance their learning abilities.

“It builds respect and connection and develops a culture and climate where everyone feels safe,” she said.

Dixon added that the lessons should not be limited to the history of the gay rights movement. Rather, schools should include more everyday examples of LGBT representatives and families in different disciplines.

In September, New Jersey issued guidelines for schools that were designed to promote transsexual-friendly policies regarding the use of names and pronouns, participation in events, use of facilities, and student records.

One of the 11 states with a similar policy, New Jersey, is considered the most progressive, since it tells schools that the gender identity should belong to the student and not necessarily notify his parents.

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