Nova Scotia’s Department of Education withdrew Ernest Hemingway’s 1927 short story “The Killers” from the Grade 12 English Language Arts 12 online course after a parent flagged its repeated use of the N‑word. the decision,announced in early June 2024, has ignited anger among Black community members who question whether provincial guidelines for sensitive material were followed.

12 Instances of the N‑Word Prompted Immediate Removal

The story, which follows Nick Adams as he encounters hitmen targeting a boxer, contains the racial slur twelve times, most often directed at the restaurant cook, Sam. According to screenshots reviewed by CBC News, there was no content warning for students and no redactions were made. The parent who raised the issue also works as a CBC journalist, prompting the department to act swiftly.

Acadia Professor Calls the Inclusion “Visceral”

Késa Munroe‑Anderson, an associate professor at Acadia University’s education department, expressed a “visceral reaction” to learning that the text remained in the curriculum. She said the incident underscores a broader failure to protect Black students from repeated exposure to hateful language. Her comments reflecct a growing chorus of Black community leaders demanding stricter oversight of reading lists.

Provincial Review Process Under Scrutiny

Provincial spokesperson Krista Higdon reminded the public that a formal process exists to vet instructional resources. Consultants with expertise are supposed to evaluate materials for bias, developmental appropriateness, and alignment with curriculum outcomes. However, the department has not disclosed how long “The Killers” was on the course or which official authorized its inclusion, leaving many questions unanswered.

Other Approved Texts Still Contain the N‑Word

While “The Killers” was pulled, other approved resources—such as The Autobiography of Malcolm X—remain in the curriculum despite containing limited instances of the slur. This inconsistency fuels criticism that the bias‑evaluation framework is applied unevenly, a point highlighted by CBC’s inquiry into the department’s decision‑making.

Who Decides What Is “Sensitive” Material?

The guidelines for teaching sensitive material require educators to prepare students, discuss diverse responses, and foster empathy. Yet the removal of Hemingway’s story raises doubts about whether teachers received the necessary training to navigate such content. As the Nova Scotia Independent Online Learning program continues to expand, stakeholders are calling for clearer accountability and a transparent review board.

According to the Education Department, the removal aligns with its commitment to “support student learning developmentally” and to “pass a bias evaluation.” Nonetheless, community leaders remain skeptical, urging the province to publish a full audit of all contested texts.