Urges recreational programs, swim schools, and swim teams to promote participation by African-American youth in swim programs.
Impact
The passing of this resolution could significantly influence state laws and community programs by encouraging statewide initiatives that improve access to swimming facilities and programs for African-American youth. It calls for actions to combat racial stereotypes about swimming and to stimulate a cultural shift that fosters greater acceptance and participation in swimming within African-American communities. This change could lead to the establishment of more swimming programs, particularly in urban areas where accessibility to swimming facilities is limited.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 15 (AR15) aims to address the disparity in swimming ability between African-American children and their white counterparts, highlighting a significant public safety issue associated with drowning rates. The resolution particularly emphasizes the alarming statistics indicating that African-American youth are at a much higher risk of drowning than other demographics. The intention behind AR15 is to encourage recreational and swimming programs to actively promote participation of African-American youth, thereby enhancing their safety and opportunities in swimming-related activities. It draws attention to the fact that the ability to swim is divided along racial lines, with white Americans being twice as likely to know how to swim compared to African Americans.
Contention
Notably, AR15 addresses a historical context where racial discrimination has influenced swimming access and engagement, referring back to the segregation era where public swimming pools were often unavailable to African Americans. Critics of the resolution may question the effectiveness of urging programs to increase participation without providing funding or specific guidelines for implementation. Therefore, while there is broad support for the intent of fostering inclusivity and safety in swimming, there may be discussions on the operational aspects of accomplishing these goals and the potential need for further legislative support or community involvement.
Urges American Academy of Pediatrics and New Jersey Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics to issue guidance for pediatricians and family doctors on discussing personal space and privacy with children.
Recognizing the week of September 30th as "National Orange Shirt Week" or "National Week of Remembrance", which aims to honor those who were forced to attend Indian boarding schools, and to recognize the experience of Indian boarding school victims and survivors.