Ducceschi L, Hart LA and Green N. Guidelines for the development of student choice policies regarding dissection in colleges and universities: An ethnographic analysis of faculty and student concerns. AATEX 2008;14(Special Issue):273-276


Abstract

Legislation in 15 states relating to animal use in K-12 education offers elementary and secondary students the option to decline participating in dissection. Similar provisions do not exist for college students. Recently, however, some students and faculty in higher education have developed policies offering alternatives to students who object to dissection on ethical grounds. The process of initiating such policies affects students, faculty, and administrators and often proves challenging. Our ethnographic analyses represent faculty and students at six U.S. colleges working toward current and/or proposed formalized student choice policies. Five key factors of concern arose among both faculty members and students: 1) specific academic requirements and learning objectives; 2) administrative responsibilities for staffing, scheduling, and supplies; 3) student access to alternatives and disclosure of animal use; 4) identifying and acquiring effective alternatives; and 5) constructive dialogue among students, faculty, and administration. We present the typical concerns and recommendations of students, faculty, and administrators working for the creation of formalized student choice policies, and offer a template of guidelines for colleges and universities seeking to formalize student choice.



Author's contacts: lducceschi@animalearn.org

Author's keywords: dissection, biology, student choice policy, college, university

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Link to journal: AATEX - Alternatives to Animal Testing and Experimentation