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Any student who objects to dissecting animals may opt-out of dissection activities, provided that the student performs an alternative project through which he or she can learn and be assessed on material required by the course. An alternative project of commensurate educational value shall be provided by the teacher. The student’s objection must be substantiated in writing by the student’s parent/guardian.

At the start of each year, teachers of courses that include animal dissection shall give written notice to the students in those classes and their parents/guardians of the right to opt-out of animal dissection and to perform an alternative project.

No student shall be discriminated against based upon his or her decision to exercise the right to opt-out of animal dissection.

Ref: Section 809, Education Law

Adoption date: June 20, 2011

Amended date: December 17, 2018