To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation requiring the State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in Social Studies, ensuring that the rich contributions, history, and heritage of Latino and Hispanic people are taught in K-12 schools. Under the bill, a board of education is required to include instruction on the history and contributions of Latinos and Hispanics in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the school district’s implementation of the NJSLS in Social Studies. The instruction is to be historically accurate, culturally relevant, community-based, and developmentally appropriate.
“Through today’s bill signing, we are cementing the legacy of New Jersey’s Latino and Hispanic communities,” said Governor Phil 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.”
“New Jersey’s learning standards require instruction that reflects the diversity of our communities and our cultural heritage,” said New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “Codifying Hispanic and Latino history instruction into law is an important extension of that commitment. The Department will work in partnership with the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage to provide districts with resources that support effective implementation of this requirement, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive understanding of our collective history.”
Under the bill, the Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage, will provide school districts with sample learning activities and resources that may be used to support implementation of the updated instructional requirements.
Prime sponsors of the legislation (S2335/3096/A3871) include Senators M. Teresa Ruiz, Brian Stack, and Angela McKnight, along with Assemblymembers Julio Marenco, Eliana Pintor Marin, Carmen Theresa Morales, and Annette Quijano.
“A study by Johns Hopkins University found that 87% of ‘key topics in Latino history’ are either left out of textbooks entirely or reduced to fewer than five sentences, leaving a profound gap in the story of America. Latinos have been at the forefront of shaping this country since its earliest days — fighting in every war, marching for civil rights, and using our talents to build businesses and drive the economy forward. Our children deserve to see that history reflected accurately and Latinos represented in exceptional spaces,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “This legislation will diversify our curriculum and shine a light on the contributions of Latinos — the artists, scientists, athletes, public servants, and countless others — who have left an indelible mark on our nation.”
“A3871 will help Latino and Hispanic children see themselves reflected in the history they learn and understand how leaders from their communities have shaped this country,” said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin. “Representation matters, and as New Jersey’s Latino population continues to grow, it’s important that our students learn a history that reflects the diverse voices and contributions that make up our state and nation. In my district, this growth is part of our daily life, and I’m proud to support a bill that celebrates Latino culture and strengthens the education of our children.”
“The contributions of Latino and Hispanic communities are intricately woven into the fabric of New Jersey’s history, but are too often underrepresented in the classroom. I am proud to have sponsored this bill, which celebrates equity and inclusion, while deepening students’ understanding of the rich story of our state,” said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. “Every student should see their heritage reflected in what they learn, to feel proud of their roots and to see the contributions and achievements of those who paved the way for them. With this legislation, we are honoring the legacy of countless Latinos and Hispanics who have helped shape our nation.”
“Latinos have always been central to the American story, yet their contributions are too often left out of classrooms,” said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía. “Integrating Latino history into New Jersey’s state educational standards is a powerful step toward telling a more accurate account of our shared history.”
These topics will be incorporated in the next required review of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, which is currently underway. School districts will implement the new instruction requirement beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.