Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman VERLINA REYNOLDS-JACKSON
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Assemblyman BENJIE E. WIMBERLY
District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)
Assemblyman ANTHONY S. VERRELLI
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman Lopez
SYNOPSIS
Requires degree-seeking students enrolled in public institutions of higher education to receive instruction on American government and civic engagement.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning American government instruction at public institutions of higher education and supplementing Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. American government instruction serves an integral role in the development of young adults. In addition to providing them with the fundamental principles and values of American democracy and citizenship, American government instruction can help individuals make informed decisions about local, State, national, and international issues and challenges.
b. College is often the first opportunity for many young adults to make significant decisions on their own and to become active participants in addressing public issues in their communities.
c. By requiring students to receive instruction on American government and civic engagement, public institutions of higher education in the State will more adequately equip individuals with the knowledge necessary to make informed civic decisions and ensure a globally-aware and socially-responsible citizenry.
2. Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, the governing board of a public institution of higher education shall require students pursuing a degree to complete a course on American government and civic engagement prior to graduation from the institution.
3. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
The bill requires students enrolled in public institutions of higher education to receive instruction on American government and civic engagement. Under the bill, beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, the governing board of a public institution of higher education will require students pursuing a degree to receive educational instruction on American government and civic engagement prior to graduation from the institution.
By requiring students to receive instruction on American government and civic engagement, public institutions of higher education in the State will more adequately equip individuals with the knowledge necessary to make informed civic decisions and ensure a globally-aware and socially-responsible citizenry.