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A multi-award-winning young adult science fiction novel has been removed from the Windsor school district’s proposed curriculum, sparking a local debate over censorship and classroom content.

The novel Scythe, by Neal Shusterman, is set in a future where artificial intelligence has eliminated hunger, disease, war and even death, according to publisher Simon & Schuster. In this world, only government-appointed “scythes” can end life to control population growth. The story follows two teenagers selected to apprentice in the role.

The Windsor School Board voted 3–2 to reject adding the book to the district’s 2026 reading curriculum. The proposal came from Julie Forrest, an English teacher at Windsor High School.

The decision comes amid a rise in book challenges statewide. In 2024, California public schools and libraries recorded 26 attempts to restrict access to books — an increase of more than 50% since 2015, when the American Library Association began tracking such efforts.

Windsor school board president Rich Carnation emphasized that Scythe is not banned outright and remains available in school libraries. But he said he does not support requiring students to read what he considers a potentially triggering story.

“In today’s society, with the number of violent acts that have happened across our country in schools and in other places, to have a book where it’s mandated about going into a classroom and shooting children — that’s just, for me, too far,” Carnation said.

Forrest acknowledged the book’s sensitive themes but said it encourages students to engage with larger questions about current and emerging issues.

Carnation said the board plans to overhaul its curriculum approval process following the vote.