Dissection Labs: When Curriculum and Morals Collide

Most of us are familiar with the presence of dissection labs in school curriculum. Whether we've seen them featured in a movie, television show, or you or someone you know have participated in them, you know they exist. We also know they are often mandatory for the grade. The question is what happens when these labs go against either personal or family morals of the students?

First, let's look at some numbers and statistics. The Humane Society suggests that as many as six million animals are dissected annually as part of high school curriculum. Of these six million animals most are frogs, fetal pigs and cats. An additional unknown number are used in elementary, middle school and colleges. (Source: The Humane Society and CNN.com)

Six million a year! That's an astounding number. The burning question (at least for me) is: How many of those died naturally? How many from complications with illnesses? I'm fairly certain not every one of them died under these conditions, however admittedly I have no facts to back this claim with. The Humane Society reports that many of these animals are taken from the wild.

I, myself was in this situation in high school. Talk was buzzing around the school about the labs with excitement, mostly coming from the male students. I, however just slunk in my seat concerned how I was going to get out of it. I spoke to my teacher on numerous occasions and stated my concern about the lab and my desire to opt out of it. This was in the early to mid 90's before the option of computer alternatives was really known about. He consistently assured me it'd be okay, but never explained how, or if that, to him meant I'll have to do it and I'd "be fine." After a while he announced that our class would not be partaking in the lab, but classes lead by other teachers would go on. I was relieved, others were upset. What would I have done if the lab went on and I had to go through with it? Well, I'd have walked out of the class. That wasn't something I did ever, but when it comes to standing up for your beliefs, sometimes you have no choice. Thankfully, it never came down to that.

Now, even kids in elementary and middle schools are doing labs that involve killing or dissecting animals. My twelve year old cousin had to go around collecting insects to pin to a board for a school assignment. He didn't want to do it, but he did it anyway.

I can understand the need for these labs in a Biology class where you need to know the anatomy of animals as well as those studying to go into veterinary medicine. However, those are college level courses, not grade, middle or high school. Nor is it said that the greater majority of students that are forced, or even pressured into doing these labs are considering these fields. Therefore, there's no significant need to do them. If the curriculum absolutely requires this information to be taught, try text books, videos or computer simulations. Though, there will be students, like myself that would not even be happy with that. Just the thought of cutting a critter open disgusts me on so many levels.

The Humane Society reports that there are currently eight states that offer alternatives to lab dissections. Of these eight they are: California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Maryland New Mexico and Massachusetts added Department of Education Resolutions. These laws and policies typically require that schools notify both parents and students there is a lab with a dissection at the beginning of the course. Students are allowed to choose alternates that are humane to animals and students that choose not to participate in the dissection are not penalized. This applies to kindergarten through high school, however there are no laws to this day that cover college undergraduates. In some cases a teacher can still require the lab if they feel there are no suitable alternates available. (source: The Humane Society) It's clear that people have had enough of the senseless dissection of animals.

So what can you or your child do when faced with this situation? Well there's a few options that you can take.

Talk as a family what you feel, and what you will do should you be forced to participate in the lab. Also, talk about what you can do to try to change the rules regarding participation in your school.

Second, educate yourself on the laws and options for your state. The Humane Society has a large section dedicated to Animals in Education and offers a multitude of information to help your cause including FAQs. A brochure that you could use to lobby for a law to be passed in your state and much more. An educated battle is always much smoother than one without the facts. It's possible that the teachers and staff at your school would admire the work you put forth to research your cause and will be more likely to listen to you and to consider working with you for a suitable resolution.

Talk to your teacher. Make your concerns known. If necessary, talk on several different occasions. Refer to some points you read in your research to strengthen your case.

If your teacher does not seem sensitive to your concerns, try talking to the principal. Be firm but also do it in a calm and polite manner. Tell them that you refuse to participate and would accept a computer course instead.

If your teacher nor principal seem sensitive, do what you and your family feel is right. This could include just dealing and doing the lab for the grade, or walking out to prove and make a statement.* This will be something only you will know what is proper for you and your situation.

The Humane Society's web site offers schools materials through a loan program. The loan program is a free service that lends CD-ROMs, videos, models, and charts to students and teachers who are interested in alternatives to dissection. This, too is an option worth mentioning when stating your concerns

Conclusion

Statistics seem to show that the time of dissections being mandatory and zero alternatives offered are all but written in the pages of history. Times are changing, and thankfully the school systems are starting to listen to students and animal rights activists. Still, too many dissections are carried on without alternate options for a student to choose. This, hopefully will change as well.

If you find yourself or your child faced with this issue try to work it out politely, then take more drastic measures if needed. Good luck to you or your child in finding a suitable substitute.

*Disclaimer: I don't condone the use of walking out of class, though sometimes it might seem a necessary option. You should try to exhaust every other option before considering using this one.