A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-33) requiring Latino and Hispanic history in a K-12 curriculum was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy (D) this week.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Representation matters, especially for children in their formative years, when school is often the first place they look for role models and reflections of themselves,” Marenco said in a statement.
“By integrating Latino and Hispanic American history into the core curriculum, we acknowledge the ever-evolving diversity of America and affirm the need for an education system that is not only equitable in knowledge but also instills pride in all of its students. These stories are New Jersey’s stories, and ensuring our classrooms reflect the communities we serve is essential.”
Under the new law, boards of education must include instruction on Latino and Hispanic history and contributions across all grade levels beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
The commissioner of education, working in partnership with the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage, will develop resources and sample learning activities for school districts to support the rollout.
“Through today’s bill signing, we are cementing the legacy of New Jersey’s Latino and Hispanic communities,” added Murphy.
“I am especially proud to sign this bill during Hispanic Heritage Month, ensuring that the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities are taught in our nation-leading public education system. By teaching students about their neighbors, we are raising a more informed next generation of future leaders in the Garden State.”
Marenco’s bill was advanced in the legislature with the joint support of state Senators Teresa Ruiz (D-29), Angela McKnight (D-31), and Brian Stack (D-33), as well as Assemblywomen Eliana Pintor Marin (D-29), Carmen Theresa Morales (D-34), and Annette Quijano (D-20) were co-sponsors.
Ruiz and Stack were the prime sponsors in the state Senate.
“Nearly one-quarter of New Jerseyans identify as Hispanic or Latino, as does a large portion of my district,” noted Stack.
“It is important for students to see themselves and the diverse community around them reflected in their school’s curriculum. Providing classroom instruction on Latino and Hispanic American history will only enrich New Jersey’s public schools even further.”
The law also requires that the curriculum be historically accurate, culturally relevant, community-based, and developmentally appropriate
“During my years as Board of Education president, I saw firsthand how the curriculum can inspire students to achieve their fullest potential,” Marenco added.
“As someone deeply connected to my Hispanic heritage, I know how meaningful it is for students to see their culture and history represented in the classroom. This law ensures that generations of students will grow up knowing their heritage is a valued part of New Jersey’s history.”
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This is a seriously misguided bill. It’s surprising to read about experienced elected officials, and an educator, who believe those who feel “different” care about inclusion, etc. when the reality often is that the last thing those who are “othered” want is to be made to feel more different. This bill fails in that regard. Besides, in much of New Jersey today, being Hispanic means you are definitely a plurality if not a majority.
So is this about “inclusion,” or is it about “domination”? Or is it a grift?
This is how you got Trump elected twice. Enough of this Phil Murphy.
Perhaps your sour grapes on this long overdue bill would be more palatable for you if you had a better grasp of how the dominant and thriving crown-sponsored shipbuilding, navigation, and exploration in Spain and Portugal in the late 15th and 16th centuries, as well at the 1493 Papal Bull, had a very direct affect on how Spain and Portugal had such a profound and lasting impact, as these two powers had the huge hand in creating Latin America. As such, those youngsters of Latino heritage who attend our schools in New Jersey should receive such instruction on Latin American History, AS SHOULD ALL OF OUR STUDENTS, Eric.