§ 16-22-20 - Animal dissection and vivisection – Right to refuse – Alternate learning project required. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-22-20

   § 16-22-20  Animal dissection andvivisection – Right to refuse – Alternate learning project required.– (a) A parent(s) or legal guardian of any student in a public or nonpublicprimary or secondary school may refuse to allow their child to dissect orvivisect any vertebrate or invertebrate animal, or any part of a vertebrate orinvertebrate animal.

   (b) A school that offers dissection or vivisection as alearning activity shall permit those students whose parent(s) or legal guardianrefuse to allow them to participate to demonstrate competency through analternative method of learning the material that would be covered in theactivity. Alternative materials and methods may include but not be limited to:video tapes, models, films, books, computer programs, clay modeling ortransparencies.

   (c) A teacher shall not discriminate against a student fornot participating in dissection or vivisection and shall not lower a gradebecause a student's parent or legal guardian has chosen an alternativeeducation project.