The classic US novel Of Mice and Men has been removed from the GCSE syllabus after being deemed too emotionally distressing for children. John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel, set during the Great Depression, has long been part of the English literature curriculum but will be taken off the syllabus in Wales due to concerns about its impact on black students.
Wales’ children’s commissioner, Rocío Cifuentes, supported the removal of the book and stated it would be replaced by ‘a wide range of appropriate and inclusive texts’ as part of the new English language and literature GCSE. Cifuentes noted her research highlighted instances where many black children indicated negative experiences involving this text, saying, “It’s not censorship. This is safeguarding the wellbeing of children who have told us how awful those discussions have made them feel in those classrooms.”
Many students have shared their distressing encounters with the book. A 16-year-old student, Marley, described feeling uncomfortably exposed when classmates “laughed and giggled” during the racial slurs mentioned within the novel. Rhian Evans, an English teacher from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, acknowledged the book would be missed for enabling discussions on societal values but concurred with the students’ discomfort.
While the N-word is avoided during classroom discussions, Evans admitted, “the truth is as a white woman I will never know what it feels like to be a child of colour.” Black students have often reported feelings of isolation during discussions centered around derogatory representations of black figures within the text.
The removal aligns with recent trends, as the WJEC exam board, employing anti-racism consultants, aimed to develop curriculums reflective of modern and inclusive values. WJEC emphasized, “We have provided a choice of work from writers of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, genders, and communities. We believe this selection will enrich the educational experience by providing texts exploring themes relevant to learners.”
Critics have voiced concerns over the counterproductive nature of banning classic novels like Of Mice and Men. Shadow education secretary Natasha Ashgar expressed her belief on BBC, stating, “Rather than banning books, we should teach them within their historical contexts, showing how overt racism and sexism prevailed, and its harmful consequences.” She argued censorship prevents young people from confronting and comprehending enduring prejudices.
WJEC’s decision is not unprecedented; both Of Mice and Men and To Kill A Mockingbird were previously removed from the UK syllabus back in 2014 under Michael Gove’s educational reforms which called for more British authors. The new curriculum will still feature other classic novels like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, alongside contemporary pieces such as The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
This decision reflects broader societal shifts and the complexity of handling sensitive topics within educational settings. The goal is to create a comfort-based learning environment, conducive to nurturing young minds away from psychological harm.
With these changes slated for September 2025, educators and students alike are anticipating how new literary selections might create healthier dialogue and promote inclusivity among learners.
