Wales has removed Of Mice and Men from its GCSE syllabus due to concerns over racial slurs affecting students’ well-being
Wales: So, guess what? They’ve decided to pull John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men from the GCSE syllabus. The reason? It’s all about the racial slurs in the book. It’s been a hot topic for ages, but now it’s officially off the reading list.
This book has been around since the 1930s and has faced bans before, but it’s still been a staple in many places, including the US and other parts of the UK. It’s known for tackling big themes like friendship and hardship, but yeah, it’s also got some pretty harsh language that doesn’t sit well today.
For those who don’t know, the story follows George and Lennie, two guys trying to make a living during the Great Depression in California. It’s a tough read, but it’s also a classic. However, it’s clear that the language used can be really upsetting for some students.
Rocio Cifuentes, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, is all for this decision. She pointed out that discussions around the book have been really tough for some black students, making them feel uncomfortable and isolated. The exam board, WJEC, is now focusing on more inclusive texts for the new English language and literature GCSE.
Research shows that many black students have felt hurt by the discussions around this book. Rocio emphasized the need for better conversations about race, suggesting there are other texts that can teach similar lessons without the harmful language.
She made it clear that this isn’t about censorship; it’s about protecting kids’ feelings. Many students have shared how awkward it is to be the only black kid in a class discussing such negative portrayals of black people.
One student, Marley, shared his experience of listening to the audiobook in class. He felt super uncomfortable when classmates laughed at the racial slurs. Another student, Bowen, who studied To Kill a Mockingbird, echoed similar feelings, saying it was awkward to hear those words in class.
Bowen pointed out that it’s not the books themselves that are the issue, but the use of offensive language in discussions. The new GCSE will combine English language and literature, starting in 2025, and aims to be more inclusive.
The WJEC has said they’re working with an anti-racism consultant to choose texts that reflect a modern Wales. They want to offer a variety of voices and experiences, making sure the reading list resonates with all students.