The Harmful Legacy of Racist Literature in Nova Scotia's Classrooms

Nova Scotia's Education Department has removed Ernest Hemingway's 'The Killers' from the curriculum due to its racist content.
The short story contains the N-word 12 times, perpetuating the dehumanization of Black people.
The incident has sparked conversation about institutional racism and the use of sensitive texts in classrooms.
Experts argue that educators must approach teaching sensitive subjects with caution and consider the impact on students.
The province has a process to guide the selection of resources, but it is unclear if this guidance was followed in this case.

Meet Késa Munroe-Anderson, an associate professor at Acadia University's education department, who had a visceral reaction to learning that 'The Killers' was being used in the Nova Scotia school system. 'I'm tired of having this conversation because it should be unnecessary in 2026,' she said. The fact that the short story was offered as an independent reading option has ignited anger and disbelief from some members of the Black community, who question whether provincial guidance for the selection and teaching of sensitive material was followed.

The Full Story / Background & Context

The piece had been available as one of four choices in a short story analysis module for the online self-guided English Language Arts 12 course. But it was removed once a student's parent — who is also a CBC journalist — brought it to the attention of the course mentor and after CBC News asked the province's Education Department about why it was included. English Language Arts 12 is part of the Nova Scotia Independent Online Learning program, which allows students to complete high school courses online at their own pace, without direct instruction from a teacher.

Historical Precedent / Has This Happened Before?

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. There have been numerous cases of racist literature being used in classrooms, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to a culture of institutional racism. The use of such texts can have a profound impact on students, particularly those from marginalized communities, and can contribute to a sense of alienation and disengagement from the educational system.

Real-World Impact

The removal of 'The Killers' from the curriculum is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. The incident highlights the need for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to teaching sensitive subjects, one that takes into account the potential impact on students and the broader community. As Martin Morrison, a former high school principal, noted, 'There's a level of frustration and anger and confusion with respect to how to negotiate myself in an environment that I'm compelled to be in, in the school system that doesn't fully understand and recognize what they need to do to support me.'

Expert Analysis & Scenarios / What Comes Next

Experts argue that educators must approach teaching sensitive subjects with caution and consider the impact on students. This includes providing context and background information, setting clear expectations for discussions, and introducing multiple viewpoints. As Dennis Adams, a social worker and executive director of the non-profit LOVE Nova Scotia, noted, 'We have to do a better job than we're doing right now with young people.' The province has a process to guide the selection of resources, but it is unclear if this guidance was followed in this case.

What This Means For You

The removal of 'The Killers' from the curriculum is a reminder that the educational system has a responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. As a parent, student, or educator, you have a role to play in ensuring that sensitive texts are used thoughtfully and with consideration for the potential impact on students. This includes advocating for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supporting educators in their efforts to create a more just and equitable educational system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the controversy surrounding 'The Killers'?

The controversy surrounding 'The Killers' centers on its use of the N-word, which perpetuates the dehumanization of Black people. The short story contains the N-word 12 times, and its use has sparked anger and disbelief from some members of the Black community.

Why was 'The Killers' removed from the curriculum?

'The Killers' was removed from the curriculum after a student's parent — who is also a CBC journalist — brought it to the attention of the course mentor and after CBC News asked the province's Education Department about why it was included.

What is the province's guidance on teaching sensitive subjects?

The province has a process to guide the selection of resources, which includes reviewing the material, preparing students for the topic ahead of time, and discussing with them how people respond to sensitive subject matter in different ways.

What can educators do to approach teaching sensitive subjects with caution?

How can parents and students advocate for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Parents and students can advocate for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by supporting educators in their efforts to create a more just and equitable educational system, and by advocating for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The removal of 'The Killers' from the curriculum is a reminder that the educational system has a responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the creation of a more just and equitable educational system, one that values the lives and experiences of all students. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all, one that is free from the harmful legacy of racist literature.

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