Simone, Hevesi, Epstein, Sillitti, Glick, Reyes, Ardila, Bronson, Simon
MLTSPNSR
Add & amd §804-e, Ed L
Requires school districts and charter schools to include instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions, and lifeways of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people, in an appropriate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school students.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A4375
SPONSOR: O'Donnell TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to inclusive instruction
and instructional materials; and providing for the repeal of certain
provisions upon expiration thereof
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bills is to include instruction and adopt instruc-
tional materials in schools that accurately portray political, economic,
and social contributions, and lifeways of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-
gender, queer, intersex, and asexual people.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new Section 804-E to the Education Law that requires
school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on the poli-
tical, economic, and social contributions, and lifeways of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people in an appro-
priate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school
students. School districts must establish policies and procedures
regarding the selection of instructional materials. School districts
must adopt inclusive instructional materials that portray the cultural
and economic diversity of society including the political, economic, and
social contributions, and lifeways of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen-
der, queer, intersex, and asexual people, where appropriate.
Section 1 also provides defined terms.
Section 2 creates a task force to study, make recommendations, and
prepare a report on the policies, procedures, and best practices for the
selection and adoption of inclusive instructional materials. The task
force will consist of 11 members all of whom will have broad ethic,
sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression diversity and
shall have a demonstrated educational background in the history of poli-
tical, economic, and social contributions, and lifeways of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people. The task
force's report shall be used by school districts and charter schools to
create policies and procedures to implement an inclusive curriculum on
the political, economic, and social contributions, and lifeways of
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual
people.
Section 3 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual
communities are an integral and essential part of New York and the
United States. Many of the members of these communities have broken
barriers and paved the way for a more inclusive, tolerant, and under-
standing society. Adding a curriculum that includes teaching about the
political, economic, and social contributions, and lifeways of these
communities provides students opportunities to learn about their jour-
neys, accomplishments, and achievements. This bill does not legislate
morality. Rather, this bill teaches that members of the LGBTQIA+ commu-
nities are an integral and essential part of our society that continues
to shape our world.
As New York is the historic home of many of these communities and social
movements, it is fitting and appropriate that our state fully tells
their stories now so our students' understanding prepares them for a
more inclusive world view.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-2022: AS1929/A.808B
2019-2020: S.8433/A.10718
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2021 and shall apply to school
years commencing on or after such date, provided, however, that the
amendments to Section 804-E of the Education Law made by section 2 of
this act shall expire and be deemed repealed 2 years after such date.
Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule
or regulation necessary of the implementation of this act on its effec-
tive date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or
before such effective date.
