TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey lawmakers are pushing to eliminate diversity and inclusion instruction from public school curricula, introducing a bill that would repeal a 2021 state law mandating such lessons for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Assembly Bill 5560, introduced April 10 by Assemblymen Gregory P. McGuckin and Paul Kanitra, both Republicans representing District 10 (Monmouth and Ocean counties), seeks to repeal P.L.2021, c.32, which integrated diversity and inclusion instruction into the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
The 2021 law required school districts to teach students about the diversity of races, ethnicities, gender and sexual orientations, as well as to foster tolerance and understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Under the current mandate, the instruction is woven into existing subjects, not taught as a standalone course.
The bill is co-sponsored by Assemblymen Erik Simonsen, Brian Rumpf, Erik Peterson, and Angelo Azzariti Jr., and reflects a growing national movement among some state legislators to scale back or eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public education.
Bill would take immediate effect if passed
If enacted, A5560 would take effect immediately and formally repeal the requirement under C.18A:35-4.36a, ending diversity and inclusion instruction as part of the state-mandated curriculum.
The proposed repeal comes amid broader debates nationwide over how public schools approach race, gender, and identity. Supporters of such instruction argue it fosters a more inclusive and respectful environment for all students, while opponents often cite concerns about parental rights and ideological neutrality in classrooms.
The legislation has not yet been scheduled for a committee hearing or vote in the Assembly.
Key Points
- A5560 would repeal the 2021 law requiring diversity and inclusion instruction in NJ public schools, K–12.
- The bill was introduced by Assemblymen Gregory McGuckin and Paul Kanitra on April 10, 2025.
- The proposed legislation would take effect immediately if signed into law.
New Jersey joins a growing number of states where lawmakers are challenging DEI-focused education mandates.