Jersey City Council Adopts Resolution To Include AAPI Curriculum In NJ Schools

JERSEY CITY, NJ — At the Nov. 29th city council meeting, the Jersey City municipal council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of state legislation Senate Bill No. 4021/Assembly Bill No. 6100, bills that require the inclusion of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and contributions in New Jersey’s K-12 curriculum.

The council resolution cites the provisions of the legislation, including the steep rise of hate incidents against the AAPI community, and that education and inclusion of AAPI studies in the classrooms would cultivate communities that are more inclusive and serve to create a more just society.

“We are living in more polarized times. The violence against AAPI communities has given rise to the urgent need for education to combat systemic racism,” said Council At-Large Rolando Lavarro, sponsor of the resolution. “Our education system not only should reflect the diversity of our state but should ensure that future generations grow up with knowledge and values of inclusivity and social justice by learning the history and contributions of AAPI communities.”

“Everyone knows I'm a history buff,” said Ward C Council Rich Boggiano, who was a co-sponsor of the resolution. “Jersey City has always been an immigrant city, and we are lucky to have such an amazing Asian American community. This is a wonderful opportunity to make our history curriculum reflect the diversity of our city.”

“It is extraordinarily important that Asian American and Pacific Islander history and contributions are included in our public-school curriculum,” stated Ward E Council James Solomon, who also co-sponsored the City Council resolution. “Such education will foster a more equal society and address rising hate. I am grateful that Jersey City’s Council added its voice to the Make Us Visible NJ Coalition calling on our state legislators to pass the bill to make this much needed addition to our public school’s curriculum.”

Following the City Council vote, on Thursday, Councilman Lavarro joined Make Us Visible NJ and nearly a dozen activists urging legislators to pass S4021 and A6100. In advance of a vote by the New Jersey State Senate, Make Us Visible NJ advocates, students and residents gathered in a committee room at the Statehouse shared their personal experiences of racism, and the importance of education in combating bigotry. With more than 37 sponsors in the state Senate, S4021 passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 38-2.