Anderson Union High School District Adopts New Library Materials Policy After Finding Age-Inappropriate Content
Anderson Union High School District (AUHSD) has implemented a new administrative regulation to tighten review of library materials after discovering some titles contained sexually explicit content unsuitable for minor students.
Principal Thomas Safford informed families in a November 5, 2026, message that the AUHSD School Board adopted Administrative Regulation 6163.1 on October 21. The policy creates a formal process for selecting, reviewing, approving, and periodically evaluating books and other resources proposed for school libraries. It applies especially to new contemporary young adult and teen literature purchased with district funds and aims for collections that support literacy and education while remaining appropriate for students’ ages and developmental levels.
Under the policy, high school library materials generally may not include content that would be illegal to provide to minors, visual or visually implied depictions of sexual acts, explicit written descriptions of sexual acts, or visual depictions of nudity (with limited exceptions for science and health instruction, breastfeeding, or classical works of art). The district states that parents can introduce other content outside the school library and that the goal is to prioritize educationally valuable materials free of age-inappropriate sexual content, vulgarity, or unnecessary profanity.
The review process begins with recommendations from library staff, followed by review by the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Proposals then go to the School Site Council for community input and finally to the Board of Trustees for approval at a public meeting. No new materials subject to the policy can be purchased until the Board approves them. Previously approved materials may continue in use unless challenged, in which case the Board may direct a new review. The policy cites California Education Code provisions on nondiscrimination, instructional materials, and library resources, and emphasizes educational value, diverse perspectives, and intellectual freedom within legal and age-appropriateness limits.
Families can review the full draft regulation, AR 6163.1, via the district’s policy portal. Principal Safford invited questions and thanked families for their partnership.
