In recognition of Joint Resolution No. 6 designating the month of January of each year as “Muslim Heritage Month” in New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Education encourages administrators and educators to highlight and celebrate the history and contributions of American Muslims.
New Jersey is home to nearly 300,000 American Muslims, representing one of the largest Muslim populations of any state in the United States. Muslim Heritage Month recognizes the rich cultural contributions of Muslims and is an opportunity to promote the rich diversity of the state.
The NJDOE issued an advisory that included the following resources that may assist administrators and educators in identifying activities and lessons to recognize Muslim Heritage Month:
- Institute for Social Policy and Understanding Educators Toolkit: Evidence-based resources built by expert scholars to help educators foster a safe learning environment for all students, notably those who are Muslim.
- Muslim American Heritage Celebration: This curriculum offers students an introduction to the rich and diverse Muslim experience in the United States, enabling students to explore the centuries-old presence of Muslims in North America as well as the ways Muslims have contributed to American society.
- New Jersey Islamic Networks Group: A nonprofit educational organization that promotes tolerance and understanding of Islam and other religions through presentations and multi-faith panels to schools. The organization provides administrators and teachers with a reliable resource about the basic tenets of the Muslim faith.
- American Muslims: A History Revealed Timeline: This sample timeline contains illustrative events from 500 years of American history relating to the stories of American Muslims.
For more information, please contact the NJDOE via email.