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A04375 Summary:

BILL NOA04375
 
SAME ASNo Same As
 
SPONSORO'Donnell
 
COSPNSRSimone, 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.
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A04375 Memo:

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.
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