A-level textbook which asked whether treatment of Native Americans has been ‘exaggerated’ is withdrawn

An A-level textbook has been withdrawn over an “inappropriate” question about whether the treatment of Native Americans had been “exaggerated”.

Teacher Hannah Wilkinson tweeted an extract from the book in which students were asked “To what extent do you believe the treatment of Native Americans has been exaggerated?”

The exercise, in the AQA/Hodder textbook USA 1865-1975: The Making Of A Superpower, also asked students to complete scales with “criticisms of treatment of Native Americans” and “defence of the treatment of Native Americans”.

She tweeted: “I do some history mentoring and while prepping for tomorrow’s session I have some questions for you @AQA.

“In what world is this is an acceptable question/exercise to ask students to complete on the history of Native Americans in late 1800s US? Actually horrified.”

Ms Wilkinson teaches history for students who require extra support at Durham Sixth Form Centre, according to the BBC, which first reported the story.

In response, Hodder Education tweeted: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We agree that this content is inappropriate and are going to remove this book from sale. We will conduct a thorough review of the content with subject experts.”

AQA said: “We’ve spoken with the publisher @HodderSchools and they’ll remove this book from sale and review its content.

“We’re also working together with publishers to ensure that new and updated editions of AQA-approved textbooks meet our commitment to EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion).”

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