HSUS Applauds Baltimore County School For Allowing Student To Use Dissection Alternative; HSUS To Supply School With Alternative

9/25/2002

From: Rachel Querry of the HSUS, 301-258-8255

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The Baltimore County Board of Education last night heard evidence from The Humane Society of the United States and others in support of student Jennifer Watson, who had refused to dissect cats in her honors anatomy and physiology class. First thing this morning, the school at the center of controversy, Kenwood High in Essex, Md., changed its mind, allowing Jennifer to return to class and use an alternative to dissection.

"We're gratified that school administrators recognize the value of student choice and alternative dissection techniques," said Dr. Lesley King, HSUS director for education and animal welfare. "Compassionate students like Jennifer Watson should not be penalized but rather have the same access to a high quality biology education."

The HSUS will be supplying Jennifer with an alternative to dissection from its free Humane Education Loan Program. "Dissection is unnecessary in high school biology classes. Alternative resources provide hands-on interactive instruction, and research has shown that students perform as well, or even better, when they use alternatives," said King.

The HSUS congratulated the school, but noted with caution that the school board should not treat Jennifer Watson as an isolated case. "I urge all students who object to dissection to speak up, and ask for an alternative. There are many others, like Jennifer, who want to learn biology, but just do not want to harm animals in the process," said Dr. King.

The HSUS today called for Baltimore County to adopt a formal "student choice in dissection" policy and offered to assist the Baltimore County Board of Education to adopt alternatives in its biology classes. The HSUS has hands-on, interactive computer simulations available on loan to teachers in Baltimore County and can provide free training for new teachers to use the resources at no cost.

The HSUS has seven million members and constituents. With active programs in companion animals, wildlife, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture, The HSUS works to protect all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work. For more information, visit The HSUS' Web site -- http://www.hsus.org.