The classic novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck will be removed from the Welsh GCSE curriculum starting September 2024, as concerns rise over the book's portrayal of racial issues and the use of derogatory language. This decision ends the long-standing presence of the 1937 text, which has been part of English literature studies, due to worries about its psychological impact on black students.
The move was positively received by Wales' Children's Commissioner Rocio Cifuentes, who argued the book had been "psychologically and emotionally" harmful to some black students. During consultations, many young people expressed discomfort with how discussions about racial slurs and negative depictions of black individuals unfolded in classrooms, especially when they were often the only black student present.
"It's not censorship," Cifuentes stated. "This is safeguarding the wellbeing of children who have told us how awful those discussions have made them feel." She emphasized the importance of fostering positive discussions around race and suggested there are alternative texts available for study which could encourage similar conversations without direct harm to students.
The Welsh exam board, WJEC, explained its decision by stating it aimed to offer students "a wide range" of inclusive texts, reflecting modern sensibilities and diverse experiences. The board’s new qualifications, which combine English language and literature, were developed with input from anti-racism consultants and various stakeholder organizations.
Rocío Cifuentes emphasized the necessity of creating environments where discussions around race are constructive. She pointed to specific accounts where students reported feeling uncomfortable during class discussions about racial slurs, with one student, 16-year-old Marley, recalling how fellow classmates reacted with laughter and giggles when racial slurs were mentioned, leading to feelings of isolation and discomfort.
Further voices echoed Cifuentes's sentiments. Bowen Cole, 18, who studied To Kill A Mockingbird, another classic novel also excluded from the new syllabus, expressed unease with hearing racist language used within classroom discussions. "It's just not something we should be normalizing today," he remarked, noting the awkwardness he felt as the only black student among his peers.
On the other hand, some educators and students see the potential for engaging with complex topics through literature. Rhian Evans, an English teacher, maintains it’s important to discuss why certain words are harmful. "I think it allows for discussions about racism and respect for all individuals." Still, she acknowledged the discomfort it might induce among children of color.
Harry, 17, added, "Classrooms can be safe spaces for discussions about important issues, including race. If we agree on what is appropriate and acknowledge the negatives depicted, it can lead to important reflections on society." Conversely, Celyn, 16, highlighted her discomfort with the depiction of women and the book’s outdated beliefs, demonstrating the varying perspectives among the student body.
The WJEC's decision is not without its critics. Welsh shadow education secretary Natasha Asghar voiced strong opposition to the removal, framing it as counterproductive to addressing racism. "Instead of banning Of Mice and Men, we should teach it within its historical contexts," she argued. This perspective emphasizes the importance of confronting how overt racism and sexism were accepted historically, urging educational settings to confront, rather than avoid, challenging subject matter.
Proponents of maintaining such literature argue it provides valuable insights and opportunities for discussion about prejudice and societal evolution. Critics of the ban suggest students should learn the historical applications of language and representation, asserting this could help them understand and challenge modern media and societal narratives surrounding race and gender.
Before this change, both Of Mice and Men and To Kill A Mockingbird were already dropped by the UK exam board OCR back in 2014, under the then Education Secretary Michael Gove's directive for more utilization of British literature. Now, as WJEC reformulates its qualifications, new texts are being integrated—including works by authors such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens alongside contemporary novels like Matt Haig's The Midnight Library and Christy Lefteri's The Beekeeper of Aleppo.
Through all this change, the core question remains: How can educational institutions navigate the sensitive topics raised by classic literature without alienation, but rather fostering constructive discussions? The WJEC's new direction is aimed at enriching the educational experience by providing choices of texts reflecting diverse backgrounds, aiming for inclusivity amid modern educational priorities. The decision to remove Of Mice and Men might be seen as part of broader efforts to create sensitive educational environments, but it also raises significant questions about censorship and the historical responsibility of literature within the classroom.
