Schoolchildren in Scotland have been encouraged to “read woke” and study books that claim racism was invented by white people, according to a report in The Telegraph. The initiative, called “Read Woke,” is funded by a Scottish government grant and aims to educate students about racial issues. The project has provided books to primary schools that assert racism began when white people sought to control those of different races. Additionally, one of the books on the secondary school reading list states that it is impossible to be racist against white people. South Ayrshire Council has piloted the project and plans to expand it in the future.
Among the books recommended for primary school students is “My Skin Your Skin” by Laura Henry-Allain, which explains that racism started when white people wanted more control over non-white individuals. It gives an example of racism as white people thinking they are superior to other races. For secondary school students, the recommended book is “This Book is Anti-Racist” by Tiffany Jewell, which states that being racist against white people is not a real thing. It argues that racism requires the abuse of power by institutions, which it claims does not affect white people.
The project aims to raise awareness about racial issues and encourage critical thinking and empathy among students. It provides class sets of novels for teachers to use in their lessons and has upgraded library stocks with books on race-related topics. The Read Woke project is based on an idea by US librarian Cicely Lewis and has received funding from Scotland’s School Library Improvement Fund.
However, the initiative has faced criticism from the Don’t Divide Us campaign. Dr. Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, the campaign’s founder, argues that the project promotes politically radical beliefs and does not contribute to students’ reading skills or education in general. The campaign advises schools to either discard the books or use them in further professional development sessions with speakers from Read Woke and Don’t Divide Us.
The reading list for secondary school students includes books such as “Stamped: Racism, Anti Racism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Imbram X. Kendi, and “Black and British: A Short, Essential History” by David Olusoga.
The initiative has been praised for its anti-racist focus by Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Education Secretary, who believes it will help promote belonging, inclusion, and social justice among students.
Overall, the Read Woke project in Scotland aims to educate students about racial issues and encourage critical thinking and empathy. However, it has faced criticism for promoting politically radical beliefs and deviating from traditional education goals.
