Veganism has arrived at school, it will be studied together with religion: the inclusive turning point in the United Kingdom

UK introduces ethical veganism into Religion and Worldviews curriculum, promoting respect for animals and more inclusive education

The veganism it is a serious issue in the United Kingdom, which recently made a historic decision to include it in the school curriculum.

But let’s start from the beginning. In recent years, vegan ethics and the resulting diet that eliminates meat, milk, eggs and any other food of animal origin, has gained more and more popularity. In the United Kingdom, over the years, many steps forward have been made in terms of school canteens, vegan menu proposals to combat the climate crisis and more.

Now the latest news is linclusion in the school curriculum of Religion and worldviews of ethical veganism. The Jigsaw Education Group, in collaboration with The Vegan Society, has developed an educational package that allows teachers to clearly and effectively introduce ethical veganism.

This package offers detailed and well-structured resources that allow educators to explain respect for animals and the principles of anti-speciesism to children and young people. Laura Chepner, education manager at The Vegan Society, said:

It warms my heart to know that thousands of educators can now teach the topic with confidence and ease.

With the change of nomenclature from “Religious Education” to “Religion and worldviews” (Religion and Worldviews), British schools are aiming for greater inclusiveness. This new approach in fact allows us to discuss different philosophies of life, also giving space to veganism, presented as a “compassionate worldview”.

The growth of veganism among young people in Britain

The growing number of children choosing to adopt vegan lifestyles has led to a significant change in the education system. A 2021 survey revealed that 8% of children aged between five and sixteen were already vegan, while 15% wanted to become vegan in the future. This trend has pushed many institutions to review their food policies, promoting plant-based menus in various schools. The most striking example is that of a school in Sussex that completely transformed its canteen, offering only plant-based dishes.

The growing recognition of veganism as an ethical philosophy finds support inEquality Act 2010which protects this choice as a philosophical belief. This means that schools have a legal obligation to ensure vegan food options and create an inclusive school environment for all students.

When will this sensitivity and inclusiveness arrive in Italy too?