A former Conservative councillor, James Farquharson, is at the centre of a growing controversy following his attempts to ban books at Budmouth Academy in Weymouth, Dorset, with parents and former pupils labelling him a “snide opportunist” and accusing him of fuelling the dispute to further his own political ambitions.
The row erupted after the school removed the award-winning novel The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas from its curriculum. The book, which explores themes of racism and police violence through the eyes of a black teenager, has been a subject of study for some pupils. The decision to remove it is reported to have followed complaints from just one parent, with Mr. Farquharson cited as instigating the campaign.
The backlash has been swift and significant. Hundreds of parents and children have united in calls for the school to reinstate the book, arguing that its educational value is paramount. In a pointed message to those who campaigned for its removal, one parent representative stated, “We have a simple message for those who demand free speech: make your minds up. If you want free speech, then keep out of our education and mind your own business. You can’t demand the right to speak freely while silencing the books our children learn from.”
The criticism aimed at Mr. Farquharson has become increasingly personal. Former pupils and parents have taken to local social media groups and community forums to express their anger, suggesting his involvement is less about educational standards and more about political point-scoring. Some say his decision to go on GB News to raise his case tells us all we need to know about his political alignment.
“This has all the hallmarks of a cynical stunt,” commented one former student. “He’s using our school as a backdrop for his own agenda.” These suspicions have been fuelled by persistent rumours that Mr. Farquharson now intends to stand as a candidate for the Reform UK party at the next general election. Critics allege that creating a divisive, culture-war issue is a deliberate strategy to raise his profile with a new political base.
A petition demanding the reinstatement of The Hate U Give has gathered hundreds of signatures. Supporters of the book argue that it provides a vital perspective for young people and is an essential tool for teaching about social justice and empathy.
A spokesperson for Budmouth Academy said: “We acknowledge that the novel raises important themes and is promoted as appropriate for readers that are aged 14+. However, after careful consideration, we have decided that there are alternative texts that raise similar themes which are better suited to our students in year 10.”
However, with pressure mounting from both sides, the school finds itself in the difficult position of balancing educational priorities against a heated political debate.
For now, James Farquharson remains the focal point of the community’s frustration, with many hoping the school will prioritise the educational needs of its students over what they see as self-centered external political interference.
