@pixplz Depending on how it's structured it might or might not be bullshit.
Is the "classic novel" white supremacist canon drivel?
Are they given adequate time to do it at school, or forced to give up their time out of school (for which there are wide socioeconomic disparities in how much kids have)?
Is their teacher going to give any meaningful feedback?
Do they have any reason to believe the activity will better their life?
What degree of choice & autonomy did they have in getting the assignment?
Etc.