Interning with Senator Vin Gopal: Advocacy in Action for Special Education

This past year, I had the incredible opportunity to intern under New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal, a leader in the fight for educational equity and someone deeply committed to advocating for special education. As a member of the AAPI Caucus and Chair of the Education Committee, Senator Gopal’s work directly impacts the lives of so many students across the state, including those with neurodivergent needs—a cause that’s close to my heart.

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was seeing how much care and thought he put into legislation that supports special education. I wanted to share a few bills that stood out to me during my time working with him:

1. S-3434: The Special Education Unit within the Office of Administrative Law

This bill creates a Special Education Unit within the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) to handle disputes between parents of students with disabilities and their school districts. Before this, families often faced long delays in resolving special education disputes, which left students without proper services. The establishment of this unit expedites cases and ensures that children with special needs get the educational support they deserve, without unnecessary delays.

This was personal for me. In my work advocating for neurodivergent students, I’ve seen families struggle to get timely responses from their schools. Creating a dedicated unit means quicker resolutions, allowing students to thrive without interruption.

2. S-1929: "Laura Wooten Law" - Civics for All Students, Including Those in Special Education

While the Laura Wooten Law focuses broadly on civics education, I found it significant that this law includes adaptations for students with disabilities, ensuring that they, too, have access to high-quality civics education. Learning how government works empowers students to be informed citizens, and it’s vital that students in special education programs are given the tools and support to fully participate in civic life.

Seeing this legislation through Senator Gopal’s office emphasized the importance of making sure that inclusivity goes beyond core academics. It’s about preparing every student for a full life, one where they can advocate for themselves and participate in society on an equal footing.

3. S-3052: Improving Special Education Services Through Data Collection

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Education to collect and analyze data on special education programs across the state. The goal is to identify disparities in services, especially in underfunded districts, and create a roadmap for improvement. Accurate data is essential to fixing the gaps that exist in special education—gaps that disproportionately affect students in marginalized communities, including neurodivergent Asian Americans.

By tracking how services are delivered and where improvements can be made, this bill helps ensure that funding and resources reach the students who need them most. As someone committed to advocating for neurodivergent kids in underrepresented communities, I found this legislation especially promising.

Making Advocacy Personal

Interning for Senator Gopal wasn’t just a job—it was a chance to witness real change in action. Each of these bills, and many others like them, highlights how dedicated leadership can make a tangible difference in the lives of students. Through this experience, I learned that advocacy is about much more than talking about the issues; it’s about making sure the policies that shape our education system are inclusive, effective, and equitable.

As I look ahead to my future in medicine and public policy, this internship reaffirmed my commitment to supporting neurodivergent individuals in the AAPI community. I’m grateful to have worked alongside a leader who shares that vision, and I’m excited to continue the fight for a world where every student, no matter their background or learning needs, gets the support they deserve.