Animal dissection; refusal by student; alternatives; notification

(1) A kindergarten through grade 12 public school student may refuse to dissect any vertebrate or invertebrate animal or the parent or legal guardian of a kindergarten through grade 12 public school student may refuse to allow the student to dissect any vertebrate or invertebrate animal. (2) A school district that includes dissection as part of its coursework shall permit students to demonstrate competency in the coursework through alternative materials or methods of learning that do not include the dissection of animals. These alternative materials and methods may include but are not limited to: (a) Videotapes, DVDs and CD-ROMs; (b) Models; (c) Films; (d) Books; (e) Computer programs; (f) Clay modeling; and (g) Transparencies. (3) A kindergarten through grade 12 public school teacher may not discriminate against a student or lower the grade of a student for not participating in the dissection of an animal. (4) A school district shall notify students who have dissection as part of their coursework and the parents and legal guardians of those students about the provisions of this section. [2005 c.460 §1] (Generally)