New Jersey Law Mandates Latino and Hispanic History in School Curriculum

Governor Phil Murphy has signed new legislation requiring Latino and Hispanic American history to be included in New Jersey’s Student Learning Standards for Social Studies and English Language Arts. The law was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, Senator Brian Stack, and Senator Angela V. McKnight.

The legislation directs the State Board of Education to update the standards accordingly. Additionally, Senator Ruiz secured $750,000 in the fiscal year 2026 state budget to fund the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage, which will work with the Department of Education to create sample lessons and instructional resources.

“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,” said 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.”

Senator Stack emphasized the significance of representation in education. “Nearly one-quarter of New Jerseyans identify as Hispanic or Latino, as does a large portion of my district. It is important for students to see themselves and the diverse community around them reflected in their school’s curriculum.”

Senator McKnight echoed the importance of inclusivity. “Crafting a diverse curriculum in New Jersey public schools is imperative if we wish to achieve a more inclusive future. The contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to our state and country are great and deserve to be recognized in every classroom.”

Under the law, the Commissioner of Education will collaborate with the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage to provide school districts with instructional materials to support implementation.