A new campaign led by Lit in Colour is urging a reform of the English Literature curriculum in schools to align more closely with the diversity of modern British society. According to research by Public First, a significant portion of students feel that the books currently included in their GCSE reading lists fail to resonate with their experiences, leading to a disinterest in reading. The campaign highlights that 33% of young people feel discouraged by school reading materials, while a striking 68% expressed a desire for a curriculum that better represents contemporary Britain.

The Lit in Colour initiative emphasizes the need for a diverse range of authors in school reading lists, particularly advocating for the inclusion of more writers of colour. This push for inclusivity is not mere rhetoric; it aims to address a pressing issue in education where students from diverse backgrounds often find themselves alienated in their lessons. By reforming reading lists, campaigners believe that schools can reignite an appreciation for literature among students who currently feel disconnected from what they are required to read.

The implications of this campaign extend beyond individual engagement with reading. By realigning the curriculum to reflect the society students live in, it seeks to foster a more inclusive environment that respects and validates the experiences of all students. If successful, this initiative could lead to changes not only in what children read, but also in how they perceive literature and its relevance to their own lives, potentially fostering a new generation of enthusiastic readers.