Gay and transgender history now mandated in New Jersey public schools

TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey public schools will join their counterparts in California in requiring that history classes include contributions made by LGBTQ people. A new law means some major changes in the Garden State.    Supporters of the new law say it'll give young people a fuller sense of the nation's history, provide a more inclusive environment in school and perhaps even reduce bullying.    "We know that there are LGBTQ identified students in New Jersey schools, as well as in schools all over the country, and they need to see people like themselves in the curriculum," Garden State Equality Policy Director Aaron Potenza said.    New Jersey's curriculum has to be updated by the fall of next year, when hopes are to have some new text books. But there are other options.    "There are curriculum resources from a number of educator organizations on LGBTQ people," Potenza added, "and there are also folks in New Jersey with various organizations for educators in New Jersey that are working on developing New Jersey specific curriculum."    The new law does not require private schools in the state to comply, although Potenza says some of them already do.