We applaud New Jersey’s recent decision to mandate instruction in Latino and Hispanic history in K–12 classrooms, and the $750,000 funding allotted to support the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage. This builds on earlier steps toward curriculum inclusion in our state—including the 2002 Amistad law, which created a commission to ensure African American history and the contributions of people of African descent would be infused throughout social studies instruction. Twenty years later, in 2022, New Jersey also became one of the first states to require Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history in public school curriculum.

These legislative advances signal that the State is moving in the right direction—affirming that Latino, Black, and Asian American histories are an integral part of classroom curricula. But passage alone is not enough. Implementation, district-level adoption, teacher training, resources, and accountability are the hard work ahead. Ensuring that every child in New Jersey has access to a full and inclusive education requires sustained commitment.

As the Coalition continues its mission to strengthen equity, inclusion, and integration in our towns, we stand ready to support schools, educators, families, and students in realizing a truly inclusive, accurate, and empowering curriculum for all.