PRINCETON – At this evening’s annual Pride Month celebration held at Drumthwacket, Governor Phil Murphy announced the signing of Executive Order No. 361 establishing the Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools. The Commission aims to build on the Administration’s efforts to support LGBTQIA+ youth and ensure New Jersey schools provide a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment for all students.
The Commission is designed to help the Department of Education address challenges that LGBTQIA+ youth face in schools, including harassment and bullying, as well as their greater risk for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
“Providing for the well-being of New Jersey’s young people is not a responsibility I take lightly. In order to deliver a top-notch education to our students, we must ensure our schools serve as a welcoming environment for all learners,” said Governor Murphy. “Now more than ever – while we are observing a nationwide uptick in hatred and bigotry – it is critical to convene experts to inform our approach to uplifting our LGBTQIA+ youth. All children in New Jersey deserve to feel safe and respected in the classroom.”
"I am deeply committed to the values of equity, inclusion, and respect for all students,” said Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “This Commission embodies these principles by advancing LGBTQIA+ equity in our schools. We reaffirm our dedication to fostering a learning environment where diversity is celebrated by ensuring that every student, regardless of their identity, feels safe, supported, and valued by prioritizing curriculum inclusivity and professional development for educators.”
The Commission will support the New Jersey Department of Education’s efforts by reviewing educational policies, recommending best practices for creating inclusive environments, and advising on strategies to support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students. It will also advise on curriculum inclusivity and professional development for educators.
The Commission will consist of 20 to 25 members. Five members will be Cabinet members or their designees, including the Commissioners of Education, Children and Families, Health, Human Services, and the Attorney General.
The Executive Director of the Commission will be Kate Okeson. Kate is a New Jersey educator and long-time advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. She is co-founder and director of Make it Better for Youth, an organization addressing social and educational outcomes for LGBTQIA+ youth. Her experience leading initiatives focused on developing an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Curriculum will guide her direction of the Commission.
“New Jersey is delivering on its promise to all students in our public schools by assembling this strong and committed group of advocates and state leaders. I’m honored to be part of the team at the national forefront of realizing inclusive and affirming schools, ensuring positive outcomes for our LGBTQIA+ youth,” said Kate Okeson.
To view Executive Order No. 361 click here.
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