We, the undersigned, call on Aspirations Academy Trust to reverse its decision to withdraw The Hate U Give from being shared in classrooms at Budmouth Academy.

The Hate U Give is a powerful, critically acclaimed novel that addresses racism, identity, and social justice. It helps students develop empathy, critical thinking, and an understanding of experiences beyond their own. Removing it from classroom reading denies young people the opportunity to engage with important issues that shape the world around them.

This decision does not only silence one book—it silences the voices and lived realities of minority communities. It sends a harmful message: that when these stories make others uncomfortable, they can be erased. Even more concerning is that this action appears to have been taken in response to the complaint of one individual. A single privileged voice should not outweigh the educational and social benefits for an entire school community.

Budmouth has previously shown strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, responding positively to calls for broader representation in its curriculum. This decision risks undoing that progress and undermines the values of equality and openness that education should uphold.

We urge Aspirations Academy Trust to:
- Reinstate The Hate U Give as part of the classroom reading.

— Support teachers in confidently delivering inclusive and socially conscious literature.

— Place this issue on the agenda for the next Board of Governors meeting for open discussion and accountability.

Students deserve to see diverse voices reflected in their classrooms—not just the ones that make the most privileged comfortable.