Protected Characteristics Literature Spine

A "protected characteristics literature spine" in schools is a curated list of books that cover the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act (2010), aiming to promote understanding and combat discrimination through curriculum reading.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Equality Act 2010:
This act protects individuals from discrimination, harassment, and victimization based on nine protected characteristics.
Protected Characteristics:

These are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Literature Spine:

This refers to a carefully selected list of books that a school uses to support its curriculum.
Purpose of the Literature Spine:
By including books that explore these protected characteristics, schools aim to:

Educate students about diversity and inclusion.

Promote empathy and understanding.

Challenge discrimination and prejudice.
How it works:

The literature spine acts as a resource for teachers, guiding their reading selections and ensuring that students are exposed to a range of perspectives and experiences.
Example:

A school may choose books focusing on race, disability, gender, religion, or sexual orientation to illustrate the realities faced by people with different characteristics.
Specific books chosen

may be from a range of genres, including fiction and poetry and designed to be age appropriate.

Click here to look at our Protected Characteristics Literature Spine