Policy 6:100
Instruction

Animals may be brought into school facilities for educational purposes according to procedures developed by the Superintendent assuring: (1) the animal is properly housed, humanely cared for, and properly handled, and (2) students will not be exposed to a dangerous animal or unhealthy environment.

Practices and procedures must ensure the health and safety of students, are consistent with School Code and any implementing Illinois State Board of Education regulations, and follow generally accepted guidance on the use of animals in elementary educational programs (e.g. Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Precollege Education.)

Animal Experiments

Experiments on living animals are prohibited; however, behavior studies that do not impair an animal’s health or safety are permissible.

Animal Dissection

The dissection of dead animals or parts of dead animals shall be allowed in the classroom only when the dissection exercise contributes to or is a part of an illustration of pertinent study materials. All dissection of animals shall be confined to the classroom and must comply with the School Code.

Students who object to performing, participating in, or observing the dissection of animals will be excused from classroom attendance without penalty during times when such activities are taking place. No student will be penalized or disciplined for refusing to perform, participate in, or observe a dissection. The Superintendent or designee shall inform students of: (1) their right to refrain from performing, participating in, or observing dissection, and (2) which courses contain a dissection unit and which of those courses offers an alternative project.

Adopted: November 10, 1997
Revised: October 28, 2013; December 18, 2017; November 14, 2022