Dissection is an age-old right of passage in education, but a recent policy review by Lisle District 202 officials could turn it into an option for squeamish science students.
“Students who object to performing and observing [dissection] would be excused from the classroom without penalties, and they can’t be disciplined and may be given an alternative project,” said George Attaway, the district’s assistant superintendent, of the proposal.
The board’s Policy Committee will present the Dissection Alternative Act to the school board later this month.
The Illinois State Board of Education passed it down to the district in reaction to a new Illinois law that states students cannot be forced to participate in dissection or be disciplined as a result of not participating.
According to Attaway, there is nothing on the books that addresses student opposition to dissection. Officially adopting a policy would give students district support, Attaway said.
“It will be a requirement to notify students which classes dissection will occur, and if we have a situation where a student objects to a dissection, that student will have the option of not doing the dissection,” Attaway said.
At Lisle High School, physiology students dissect cats and a few other specimens over the course of the school year, according to Principal Ron Logeman.
“Students who would have an objection to that, we would work with to find a suitable alternative,” Logeman said.
Lisle Junior High School Principal Roger Wanic said the policy would have little effect on his pupils. With the exception of a unit in the 7th grade, dissection is a minor part of their science program.
Wanic said even then, pupils are given a choice.
“We have always, at this age level, used discretion and given students that would be uncomfortable the option of an alternative assignment,” he said.
The policy change will go before the school board at its Monday meeting.
