Bergen Schools Launch Pilot LGBTQ-Inclusive Curriculum

HACKENSACK, NJ – The state is kicking off an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum at 12 New Jersey public sites, including two Bergen County schools, who are participating in the state's new curriculum pilot program.

Over the last year, Garden State Equality has been hard at work developing a robust set of lesson plans that will teach the next generation of youth about the political, social and economic contributions of LGBTQ people, according to a press release.

In Bergen County, two schools in Hackensack -Bergen Arts and Science Charter Middle School and Bergen Arts and Science Charter High School - will be participating in the pilot.

Garden State Equality also developed lessons that promote inclusion across all relevant subject areas.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation last year that requires boards of education to include instruction, and adopt instructional materials, that accurately portray political, economic, and social contributions of people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

"It's critical that our classrooms highlight the achievements of LGBTQ people throughout history. Our youth deserve to see how diverse American history truly is — and how they can be a part of it one day, too," Murphy said.

The pilot program will last until the end of the current school year. Garden State Equality is also providing each school with professional development trainings, parent education workshops, and a curriculum coach to support them over the next six months.

The following 12 schools will be participating:

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Asbury Park
• Forrestdale School in Rumson
• Haddon Heights Junior-Senior High School (middle and high school)
• Highland Park School
• Millburn Middle School
• Newark Arts High School
• Pinelands Regional Junior High School in Tuckerton
• Bergen Arts and Science Charter Middle School in Hackensack
• Bergen Arts and Science Charter High School in Hackensack
• Chartertech High School for the Performing Arts in Somers Point
• Unity Charter School in Morristown

When the law goes into effect this fall, every middle and high school in the state will begin integrating these topics into classrooms.