UK schools throw out classical works amid 'anti-racism' drive

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + News websites
12 Aug 2023 18:07

Amid efforts to promote antiracist education, approximately two dozen UK schools are removing classic books considered lacking in inclusivity standards.

Students wave as Britain's Prince Edward arrives at Girard College, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (AP)

The Times reported that around two dozen schools across the United Kingdom are revamping their literature curricula by removing classics that are considered to fall short of standards of inclusivity and anti-racism.

According to a report cited by The Times, 23 schools are actively working to "decolonize and diversify" the books in their curricula. These schools are responding to a call for change in the aftermath of George Floyd's tragic death, which led to widespread protests against police violence and racial discrimination not only in the US but also in Europe.

Among the changes, the Thomas Alleyne Academy in Stevenage has removed John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men" from its curriculum. The school's decision stems from concerns that the book perpetuates negative stereotypes and contains racist language.

Similarly, Ashlyns School in Hertfordshire has chosen to exclude "My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece" by Annabel Pitcher from its curricilum for including a negatively stereotyped Muslim character. By making this change, Ashlyns School aims to align its curriculum with more accurate and respectful representations of different demographics.

These transformative efforts are part of the Great Representation program, spearheaded by HFL Education (Herts for Learning). The program encourages schools to critically evaluate their curricula and make adjustments that promote inclusivity, diversity, and antiracist values.

The impact of George Floyd's death in May 2020 continues to reverberate globally. The mass protests that erupted in response to the incident highlighted the urgent need to address systemic racism, inequality, and social injustice. These protests sparked a broader conversation about how institutions, including schools, can play a role in combating discrimination and fostering understanding among diverse communities.

Back in January, the seven-time Formula One world champ Lewis Hamilton described the racial abuse he experienced in UK schools as traumatizing.

Hamilton said bananas were chucked at him and he was constantly called the N-word. He described how “school was the most traumatizing and most difficult part of my life. I was already being bullied at the age of six. At that particular school, I was one of three kids of color and just bigger, stronger, bullying kids were throwing me around a lot of the time."

"The constant jabs," he added, "the things that are either thrown at you, like bananas, or people that would use the N-word just so relaxed. People calling you half-caste and not knowing where you fit in. That was difficult."