The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5328, aims to establish a working group dedicated to addressing Islamophobia in public schools. This group will provide assistance and resources to the Department of Education, which may then extend support to local and regional boards of education. The working group is tasked with proposing amendments to school district policies to ensure a safe environment for all students and educators, as well as offering training on Islamophobia for school personnel.
The working group will consist of various appointed members, including representatives from civil rights organizations, Muslim nonprofit and religious organizations, educators with experience in combating religious bigotry, and school administrators. Initial appointments must be made within thirty days of the bill's passage, and the group is required to submit a report on its findings and recommendations by January 1, 2027. The bill introduces new legal language to establish this working group and outlines its structure and responsibilities, while no deletions from current law are specified.