Kelowna Campaign

Central Okanagan School District #23
Student Choice Policy Regarding Animal Dissection
(passed November 2005)

Central Okanagan School District #23 recognizes that students deserve a choice regarding animal dissection. Many students are opposed to participating in or watching the dissection of animals due to cultural, religious or ethical beliefs. Excellent alternatives to dissection are available, including models of skeletons or body organs, videos and interactive CD’s. Therefore, Central Okanagan District #23 resolves that:

1. Humane alternatives to animal dissection will be available in all science/biology classes.
2. The responsibility for providing an alternative rests with the school, not the student.
3. Students will not be required to watch animal dissection, and will be permitted to leave the room while such activity takes place.
4. Students will not be penalized academically or otherwise for selecting the humane alternative.
5. In any class including animal dissection as part of the program, all students must be informed in writing and through a verbal announcement that they have a choice of a humane alternative should they choose not to participate in the animal dissection. Information about this option should be provided at the beginning of each semester during which dissection is scheduled, and just prior to the dissection.
6. An alternative activity, which meets the curriculum objective, must be provided. The alternative must offer an equal learning experience, and must require approximately the same amount of time and effort to complete.