The New Jersey State Board of Education has recently approved revisions to a policy on equity in education, including a new rule that mandates students be placed in sex education classes based on their gender identity rather than their biological sex.
The changes to the state's administrative code were discussed during a board meeting and were approved by a vote of 6-5, despite opposition from concerned citizens.
One of the significant revisions is the replacement of the term "equality" with "equity" in the policy. Additionally, the language has been updated to use gender-neutral terms such as "persons" instead of "men and women" and "all sexes" instead of "both sexes." These changes aim to promote inclusivity and ensure that all students feel represented and respected in the classroom.
During the meeting, some board members attempted to postpone the vote to allow for further debate on the controversial revisions. However, the motion was rejected. Board President Kathy Goldenberg, who voted in favor of the revisions, emphasized the importance of implementing the equity plans promptly. She noted that school districts that fail to adopt these plans within 180 days could risk losing state and federal funding.
Board Vice President Andrew Mulvihill, the most vocal opponent of the revisions, raised concerns about a rule that requires sex education classes to be separated based on gender identity rather than biology. Mulvihill argued that allowing a boy who identifies as a girl to attend a class focused on female anatomy would be discriminatory towards girls. He expressed his belief that it is essential to respect the perspectives and experiences of all students.
Mulvihill also questioned the repeated mention of affirmative action in the new policy, pointing out that the Supreme Court recently ruled against its use in college admissions. This raised concerns about the relevance and appropriateness of including affirmative action in the context of sex education.
The board's decision has faced criticism from over a dozen Republican lawmakers who believe that the new rules will create division between parents, teachers, and school administrators. State Senator Tony Bucco expressed his concern that the decision would drive a wedge between these groups, emphasizing the importance of bringing them together to ensure the success of all students.
Other lawmakers, including Sens. Edward Durr and Steven Oroho, have also voiced their opposition to the revisions. They argue that replacing "equality" with "equity" and focusing on the social causes of a few students goes against the goal of providing a comprehensive education for all students.
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