Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Bordentown Regional School District’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

When adopting instructional materials for use in the school district, the Bordentown Regional School District (BRSD) shall select inclusive materials that reflect the cultural and economic diversity of the United States. These materials will be carefully curated to align with and emphasize the following mandated topics: Holocaust and Genocide Education, African-American History (Amistad Bill), LGBTQ+ and People with Disabilities contributions, Diversity and Inclusion, and Asian American and Pacific Islander History. These topics are interdisciplinary in nature and are most commonly integrated within English Language Arts, Social Studies, Guidance curricula, and infused throughout all areas of our schools to provide a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience.

Aligned with the spirit and language of these state mandates, the BRSD is dedicated to creating a curriculum where all individuals are represented, and their contributions to society are honored. This commitment reflects our broader goal to cultivate an inclusive educational environment that prepares students to thrive in a diverse world.

New Jersey has a long-standing history of fostering an inclusive curriculum in its public schools. In alignment with the state’s legislative mandates and the NJDOE guidelines, the BRSD is committed to developing and implementing a curriculum that embraces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These mandates, which are foundational to our mission, and reflected in our strategic plan include:

Diversity and Inclusion (A4454)

Mandating diversity and inclusion instruction for grades K-12, this law aims to promote equity and belonging in educational spaces.

• Instruction Will:
1. Highlight diversity, equity, inclusion, tolerance, and belonging.
2. Explore unconscious bias and economic disparities.
3. Foster safe and welcoming environments for all students, regardless of identity or background.

 

Holocaust/Genocide Education (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-28)

Enacted in 1994, this law requires education on the Holocaust and genocide for all K-12 students to address issues of bias, prejudice, and bigotry, including bullying.

• Curriculum Requirements:
• Instruction on the Holocaust and genocides must be included at all grade levels.
• Students will explore human behavior, understand the consequences of prejudice and discrimination, and recognize the moral responsibility of individuals to confront racism and hatred.

 

The Amistad Bill (A1301)

Passed in 2002, the Amistad Bill ensures the integration of African-American history into social studies curricula.

• Goals:
1. Provide an accurate, complete, and inclusive account of African and African-American history.
2. Equip educators to effectively teach the revised standards.
3. Promote public awareness of the critical role of African-Americans in shaping American society.

 

LGBTQ+ and People with Disabilities (A1335)

This legislation requires inclusion of the contributions of persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals in the curriculum.

• Curriculum Requirements:
• Instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of these groups must be included in middle and high school.
• Instructional materials adopted must accurately portray the diversity of society.

 

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Contributions (A6100)

Enacted to ensure the inclusion of AAPI history and contributions in the curriculum.

• Curriculum Requirements:
• Instruction on AAPI history must be integrated into K-12 social studies curricula.
• Materials should reflect the cultural and economic diversity of AAPI communities.