§ 18A:4-47 — Findings, declarations relative to Latino and Hispanic heritage cultural and educational programs.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. New Jersey is home to a significant number of people of Latino and Hispanic descent, representing 19% of the State's total population. Several municipalities in the State have Hispanic majority populations, and Latinos and Hispanics constitute one-third of the population of Newark, the largest city in the State. Parts of Hudson County, including West New York and Union City, have been nicknamed "Havana on the Hudson" for the large number of Cuban exiles and emigres living there. b. The histories of our nation and our State have been significantly enriched by the heritage of Latinos and people of Hispanic descent. Our nation and our State have benefitted substantially from the influences and contributions of these men, women, and children and their distinctive culture, history, and heritage. c. It is desirable to educate our citizens about the positive aspects of the culture, music, art, language, history, and people of Latino and Hispanic heritage. d. It is the policy of the State of New Jersey that the culture, history, and heritage of people of Latino and Hispanic descent are a proper concern for all people, particularly students enrolled in the schools of this State. e. It is appropriate and desirable that programs, workshops, institutes, seminars, and other teacher-training activities for the study of the culture, history, and heritage of people of Latino and Hispanic descent be conducted at the high schools and institutions of higher education in this State. f. It is fitting and proper to establish a permanent State-level commission to survey, design, encourage, and promote the implementation of Latino and Hispanic cultural and educational programs in this State, with responsibility for the coordination of events that will provide appropriate awareness and memorialization of the culture, history, heritage, and language of people of Latino and Hispanic descent on a regular basis throughout the State. L.2019, c.321, s.1.