New Jersey is taking another significant step toward a more inclusive and representative education system. Under a new law signed by Governor Phil Murphy during Hispanic Heritage Month in 2025, schools across the Garden State will now integrate lessons on the history, culture, and contributions of Latino and Hispanic communities into the K–12 Social Studies curriculum. Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, this statewide initiative aims to ensure that every student learns about the people and stories that have shaped not only New Jersey but the broader American experience.
The law requires that lessons be “historically accurate, culturally relevant, community-based, and developmentally appropriate.” That means educators won’t just rely on textbooks but will bring the richness of Latino and Hispanic traditions directly into the classroom through creative, hands-on experiences. From art and literature to music, food, and local history, the lessons are designed to reflect the diverse Latino communities that call New Jersey home.
For younger students, learning about Latino and Hispanic culture can be both educational and engaging. Imagine an elementary school classroom filled with color and rhythm — students creating papel picado banners inspired by Mexican traditions or crafting maracas while listening to the sounds of salsa and merengue. Reading bilingual picture books can introduce children to trailblazing figures like Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, or Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian at the New York Public Library, who brought bilingual storytelling to generations of children. Art projects inspired by Frida Kahlo or lessons about the activism of Cesar Chavez can spark creativity and inspire conversations about perseverance and identity.
Food, too, becomes a bridge to understanding culture. Simple classroom activities such as making quesadillas, sampling tropical fruit, or learning the history behind Latin American dishes can help children connect with traditions from across the Spanish-speaking world. Games like Lotería — a colorful and culturally meaningful variation of bingo — help students explore language and symbolism while also fostering a sense of community.
These lessons will also draw from local history, highlighting the roots and contributions of Latino communities throughout New Jersey. From the Cuban American neighborhoods of Hudson County to the vibrant Puerto Rican and Dominican communities across Newark, Paterson, and Elizabeth, students will learn how these cultures have influenced art, business, food, and civic life across the state. The law emphasizes the importance of connecting lessons to local heritage, making the learning experience both personal and relevant to each community.
To ensure schools have the resources they need, the New Jersey Department of Education will collaborate with the state’s Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage to develop lesson plans, classroom materials, and activities aligned with the new standards. This partnership will help educators design content that is inclusive and engaging for students of all ages, encouraging deeper understanding and respect for cultural diversity.
This initiative is part of a larger statewide movement toward inclusive education. In recent years, New Jersey has passed similar laws mandating the teaching of Black American history, LGBTQ+ history, and the Holocaust. Together, these efforts reflect the state’s growing commitment to ensuring that every student — regardless of background — sees themselves represented in what they learn.
By weaving Latino and Hispanic history into everyday lessons, New Jersey is not only enriching its classrooms but also helping to build a generation of students who understand the value of cultural identity and the shared history that unites all communities. The law represents more than just curriculum reform — it’s a step toward a more accurate and complete story of who we are as a state and as a nation.
For those looking to explore more about New Jersey’s vibrant Latino and Hispanic heritage — from its art and music to its cultural festivals and historic neighborhoods — visit Explore New Jersey’s Art & Culture page to discover the people, places, and traditions that make this state such a diverse and dynamic cultural hub.
