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Murphy Signs Grief Education Bill in Wake of Mosque Shooting
Amidst a violent incident in Newark, Governor Murphy signs a bill mandating grief education, highlighting the state's focus on safety and mental health.
TRENTON, NJ - New Jersey has witnessed two significant developments with potential long-term impacts on community safety and youth mental health. Governor Phil Murphy has been at the forefront of these initiatives, responding to a recent violent incident in Newark and enacting a new educational mandate.
Yesterday, a shooting occurred outside the Masjid Muhammad Mosque in Newark, with reports indicating Imam Hassan Sharif as the victim.
Governor Murphy, addressing the incident, stated, "My prayers are with Imam Hassan Sharif, who reports indicate was the victim of a shooting earlier this morning outside the Masjid Muhammad Mosque in Newark and is currently receiving medical treatment. At this point, we do not have any information about the perpetrators or motivations behind this incident...". He continued, "At a time when the Muslim community is concerned by an increase of bias incidents and crimes, I want to assure the Muslim community and people of all faiths that we will do everything in our power to keep all residents safe, especially in or near our houses of worship. Anyone with information relevant to this shooting is urged to contact the Newark Police Department through their 24-hour tip hotline at 1-877-NWK TIPS (1-877-695-8477)."
In a separate but timely move, Governor Murphy signed legislation (S3330/A5015) today, requiring New Jersey public schools to offer grief education. This curriculum, aimed at students in grades 8 through 12, will cover various aspects of grief, including its symptoms, coping mechanisms, and available support resources. The bill, effective immediately, aligns with the five-year review cycle of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.
Supporters of the bill, including Senator Jon Bramnick and Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, have expressed the importance of addressing grief and loss in the educational framework. Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education, remarked on the bill's significance in meeting students' emotional needs.
While the two events are unrelated, their timing highlights the state's focus on addressing community safety and mental health issues. The response to the Newark mosque shooting and the implementation of grief education in schools are indicative of New Jersey's broader efforts to support its residents through both immediate and long-term initiatives.
As these developments unfold, New Jersey continues to grapple with challenges impacting its communities. The state's response to the Newark incident and the adoption of the grief education bill represent steps toward addressing complex societal issues, with a focus on safety, mental health, and comprehensive education.
