Humane Education Laws by State

Below is a summary of laws related to the use of animals in school and classroom activities, as well as laws that mandate the teaching of respect for, and humane treatment of, animals. The list provides a quick reference for those wishing to see how attitudes toward humane education and animal-friendly teaching practices are reflected in their state’s education policies. Click on a state to see more details.

State Humane Ed Mandate Teacher Training/ Guidance* Dissection-Specific Opt-Out?** Animal Use in Science Projects Live Animals in the Class Plant-Based Nutrition Options Consequence for Non-Compliance?
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*Teacher Training/Guidance: This refers to training requirements or guidance specified within the Humane Education Mandate.

**Dissection-Specific Opt-Out: Specific provisions of dissection choice laws vary. Where possible, it is noted below whether the policy is a state law or board of education policy; what grade levels it applies to; whether students can request to opt-out themselves or a parent/guardian must authorize; whether the school is required to notify students of the policy and their options, and whether the school is required to provide an alternative project.

Alabama

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Alaska

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Arizona

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Districts required to have opt-out policies for challenged/controversial materials

state statute

Additional Info

https://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00102.htm

Arkansas

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

California

Humane Ed Mandate

233.5. (a) Each teacher shall endeavor to impress upon the minds of the pupils ... kindness toward domestic pets and the humane treatment of living creatures

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=233.5.

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Education Code 32255

Pupil with moral objection to dissection or otherwise harming or destroying animals; notice; alternative education project

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 32255.6, any pupil with a moral objection to dissecting or otherwise harming or destroying animals, or any parts thereof, shall notify his or her teacher regarding this objection, upon notification by the school of his or her rights pursuant to Section 32255.4.

state law, K-12 specified, parent or guardian must request, duty to inform students of policy, alternative project available—must not be punitive, agricultural exemption

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=32255

Use of Animals in Science Experiments/Projects

51540. Restrictions mention live vertebrates, painful or lethal conditions and injury, school-sponsored activities, classes, in schools or off school premises, all grade levels

Live Animals in the Class

51540. Live animals on the premises of a public elementary or high school shall be housed and cared for in a humane and safe manner

Additional Info

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=51540.

Plant-Based Nutrition Options

No state law currently exists, funding for plant-based lunch options was approved in 2022-23 state budget

https://awionline.org/awi-quarterly/fall-2022/california-funds-plant-based-school-meals

Colorado

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Connecticut

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

House Bill No. 6329

Public Act No. 13-273

AN ACT CONCERNING DISSECTION CHOICE.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2013) (a) A local or regional school district shall excuse any student from participating in, or observing, the dissection of any animal as part of classroom instruction, provided the parent or guardian of such student has requested, in writing, that such student be excused from such participation or observation.

state law, parent or guardian must request, alternative project provided

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/act/pa/2013PA-00273-R00HB-06329-PA.htm

Delaware

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

District of Columbia

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Washington, DC’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Non-Regulatory Guidance for Locale Education Agencies OSSE recommends that LEAs that elect to include animal dissection as a part of their science instruction also create an Animal Dissection opt-out form for SY2012-13. Where a school does implement opt-out policy, OSSE recommends that alternative activity(ies) to provide instruction on the same standard(s) be provided.

Although schools and teachers are free to use dissection as a part of their lesson plan, students who do not wish to dissect an animal for moral or religious reasons can be provided with an alternative lesson that accomplishes the same level of mastery.

parent or guardian must request, duty to inform parents of policy, alternative project provided

https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/release_content/attachments/Animal%20dissectionn%20on-regulatory%20guidance.pdf

Plant-Based Nutrition Options

Covered schools must meet the following requirements for vegetarian meals and plant-based food options:

  • Covered schools must provide meals with vegetarian food options as the main course for breakfast and lunch every day at all grade levels.
  • Covered schools must rotate the main course vegetarian food options daily in order to avoid repetition.
  • Vegetarian food options must be clearly labeled or identified as vegetarian.

https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/38-822.01.html

Florida

Humane Ed Mandate

FLA. STAT. Title XLVIII. § 1003.42 Required instruction—
(2) Members of the instructional staff of the public schools, subject to the rules of the State Board of Education and the district school board, shall teach efficiently and faithfully, using the books and materials required that meet the highest standards for professionalism and historical accuracy, following the prescribed courses of study, and employing approved methods of instruction, the following:

(k) Kindness to animals.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=1000-1099/1003/Sections/1003.42.html

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

FLA. STAT. Title XLVIII. § 1002.20
(c) Biological experiments.—Parents may request that their child be excused from performing surgery or dissection in biological science classes in accordance with the provisions of s. 1003.47.

state law, K-12 specified, parent or guardian must request, agricultural exemption

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=dissection&URL=1000-1099/1002/Sections/1002.20.html

Use of Animals in Science Experiments/Projects

FLA. STAT. Title XLVIII. § 1003.47 Biological Experiments on Living Subjects—
(1)(a) No surgery or dissection shall be performed on any living mammalian vertebrate or bird. Dissection may be performed on nonliving mammals or birds secured from a recognized source of such specimens and under supervision of qualified instructors. Students may be excused upon written request of a parent.

(b) Lower orders of life and invertebrates may be used in such experiments.

(c) Nonmammalian vertebrates, excluding birds, may be used in biological experiments, provided that physiological harm does not result from such experiments.

Live Animals in the Class

FLA. STAT. Title XLVIII. § 1003.47 Biological Experiments on Living Subjects—
(1)(h) Live animals on the premises of public and private elementary, middle, and high schools shall be housed and cared for in a humane and safe manner. Animals shall not remain on the premises of any school during periods when such school is not in session, unless adequate care is provided for such animals.

Additional Info

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1003/Sections/1003.47.html

Consequence for Non-Compliance?

FLA. STAT. Title XLVIII. § 1003.47 Biological Experiments on Living Subjects—
(3) If any instructional employee of a public high school or career center knowingly or intentionally fails or refuses to comply with any of the provisions of this section, the district school board may suspend, dismiss, return to annual contract, or otherwise discipline such employee as provided in s. 1012.22(1)(f) in accordance with procedures established in chapter 1012. If any instructional employee of any private school knowingly or intentionally fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this section, the governing authority of the private school may suspend, dismiss, or otherwise discipline such employee in accordance with its standard personnel procedures.

Georgia

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Hawaii

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Opt Out policy not specific to dissection

State BoE policy, parent must request, duty to notify, alternative project provided

https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/FAQ/Pages/Parent-opt-out-for-child.aspx

Idaho

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Illinois

Humane Ed Mandate

(105 ILCS 5/27-13.1) Sec. 27-13.1. In every public school there shall be instruction, study and discussion of current problems and needs in the conservation of natural resources, including but not limited to air pollution, water pollution, waste reduction and recycling, the effects of excessive use of pesticides, preservation of wilderness areas, forest management, protection of wildlife and humane care of domestic animals.

Teacher Training/Guidance

Sec. 27-15. Moral and humane education – In institute programs. The superintendent of each region and city shall include once each year moral and humane education in the program of the teachers’ institute which is held under his supervision.

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Public Act 91-0771—A school may excuse a student enrolled in a course in which students are ordinarily expected to perform, participate in, or observe dissection who objects for any reason to performing, participating in, or observing that dissection and instead allow the student to complete an alternative project. Discrimination prohibited. A student may not be penalized or discriminated against in any way for refusing to perform, participate in, or observe dissection.

state law, duty to inform students, parents/guardians; alternative provided—must not be punitive

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1016&ChapterID=17

Use of Animals in Science Experiments/Projects

(105 ILCS 5/27-14) Sec. 27-14. Experiments upon animals.
No experiment upon any living animal for the purpose of demonstration in any study shall be made in any public school.

Plant-Based Nutrition Options

Public Act 102-0761 Amends the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. As a part of the school lunch program, requires a school district to provide a plant-based school lunch option to those students who submit a prior request to the school district requesting a plant-based school lunch option.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=102-0761

Indiana

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Iowa

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Kansas

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Kentucky

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Louisiana

Humane Ed Mandate

repealed in 2013

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

House Concurrent Resolution 153—the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop uniform alternative educational projects to be offered by city and parish school systems to students in elementary or secondary schools who choose to refrain from performing, participating in, or observing the dissection of animals, reptiles, or amphibians in a manner which would be harmful or destructive.

duty to inform students, alternative project must not be punitive

Maine

Humane Ed Mandate

20 § 1221. Teaching of virtue and morality
Instructors of youth in public or private institutions shall use their best endeavors to impress on the minds of the children and youth committed to their care and instruction the principles of ... the great principles of humanity as illustrated by kindness to birds and animals

https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/20/title20sec1221.html

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Department of Educational and Cultural Services Advisory (1990)—School Administrative Units should recognize that students who show a legitimate conscientious, ethical reason not to do dissection should not be required to do so and should be offered an alternative assignment to dissection.

duty to inform of policy, alternative project provided

Use of Animals in Science Experiments/Projects

§3971. No person may, in the presence of any student in kindergarten and grades one to 12, practice vivisection or exhibit a vivisected animal. Also applies to any activity associated with or sponsored by the school system.

https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/7/title7sec3971.html

Live Animals in the Class

§3971 2. Treatment of animals in general. Live animals used as class pets or for purposes not prohibited in subsection 1 shall be housed and cared for in a safe and humane manner. The animals shall not remain in school over periods when school is not in session, unless adequate care is provided at all times.

https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/7/title7sec3971.html

Additional Info

https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/7/title7sec3971.html

Consequence for Non-Compliance?

4. Enforcement. The commissioner shall enforce this section (§3971.) in consultation with the Commissioner of Education.

5. Penalty for violations. Any person who violates this section (§3971.) shall be punished by a fine of not more than $75.

Maryland

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Massachusetts

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

All public schools that offer dissection as a learning activity should, upon written request by a student’s parent or guardian, permit a student who chooses not to participate in dissection to demonstrate competency through an alternative method.—Massachusetts Curriculum Framework 2017 Science & Technology/Engineering Appendix XII

parent or guardian must request, duty to inform parents, alternative project provided

https://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/scitech/2016-04/AppendixXII.pdf

Use of Animals in Science Experiments/Projects

MASS. GEN. LAWS ch. 272, § 80G Restrictions mention live vertebrates, painful or lethal conditions, injury, distress, interference in normal health. All grade levels. The provisions ... shall also apply to any activity associated with or sponsored by the school.

Live Animals in the Class

MASS. GEN. LAWS ch. 272, § 80G Live animals used as class pets ... shall be housed or cared for in a safe and humane manner. Said animals shall not remain in school over periods when such schools are not in session, unless adequate care is provided at all times.

Additional Info

https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/partiv/titlei/chapter272/section80g

Consequence for Non-Compliance?

Whoever violates the provisions of this section (MASS. GEN. LAWS ch. 272, § 80G) shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars

Michigan

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Michigan State Board of Education—Any K-12 student who objects to dissecting animals or animal parts should be permitted to opt out of dissection activities without fear of reprisal.

state BoE policy, K-12 specified, duty to inform of alternatives, alternative project provided

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/FINAL_Policy_Dissection_Choice_456675_7.pdf

Minnesota

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Parent can object to content, arrange for alternative instruction—not dissection specific

state statute, parent/guardian or adult student can object, alternative allowed

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120b.20

Mississippi

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Missouri

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Montana

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Nebraska

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Nevada

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

New Hampshire

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

New Hampshire Board of Education Student Choice Policy—This policy provides an opportunity for students to replace (dissection) with choices that are more engaging for them without loss of academic value ... Any student, for any reason, may choose to replace an activity that causes harm to animals, whether they be already dead, such in dissections, or living, such as animal testing, with an alternative activity that does not.

K-12 specified, student can request, duty to inform students of policy, alternative project provided—must not be punitive

Use of Animals in Science Experiments/Projects

N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. § 644:8-c Restrictions mention live vertebrates, painful or lethal conditions, injury, distress, interference in normal health. All grade levels, science fairs specifically mentioned including exhibition of projects from outside the state

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/644/644-8-c.htm

Live Animals in the Class

N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. § 644:8-c Any live animal kept in any elementary or secondary school shall be housed and cared for in a humane and safe manner and shall be the personal responsibility of the teacher or other adult supervisor of the project or study.

Additional Info

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/644/644-8-c.htm

Consequence for Non-Compliance?

Any person who violates this section (N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. § 644:8-c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.

New Jersey

Humane Ed Mandate

Permanent Statutes TITLE 18A Education 18A:35-4.1. Course of study in principles of humanity
Each board of education may teach, by special courses or by emphasis in appropriate places of the curriculum, in a manner adapted to the ages and capabilities of the pupils in the several grades and departments, the principles of humanity as the same apply to kindness and avoidance of cruelty to animals and birds, both wild and domesticated.

https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

18A:35-4.25 Refusal to participate in certain school activities related to animal dissection, etc. A public school pupil from kindergarten through grade 12 may refuse to dissect, vivisect, incubate, capture or otherwise harm or destroy animals or any parts thereof as part of a course of instruction.

state law, K-12 specified, pupils or parents/guardians can request, duty to inform pupils or parents/guardians, alternative project provided

https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2013/title-18a/section-18a-35-4.25

New Mexico

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

CHAPTER 29 EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
PART 1 STANDARDS FOR EXCELLENCE – GENERAL PROVISIONS
6.29.1.11 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
Section 22-13-1 NMSA 1978 - New Mexico State Board of Education Policy
All science classes that include dissection activities as part of the curriculum shall provide virtual dissection techniques as alternative activities for any student who is opposed to real dissections for ethical, moral, cultural or religious reasons. Alternative techniques shall approximate the experience of real dissection activities as closely and appropriately as possible.

state BoE policy, alternative project provided

https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-mexico/title-6/chapter-29/part-1/6-29-1-11/

New York

Humane Ed Mandate

Sec. 809. Instruction in the humane treatment of animals.

1. The officer, board or commission authorized or required to prescribe courses of instruction shall cause instruction to be given in every elementary school under state control or supported wholly or partly by public money of the state, in the humane treatment and protection of animals and the importance of the part they play in the economy of nature as well as the necessity of controlling the proliferation of animals which are subsequently abandoned and caused to suffer extreme cruelty. Such instruction shall be for such period of time during each school year as the board of regents may prescribe and may be joined with work in literature, reading, language, nature study or ethnology. Such weekly instruction may be divided into two or more periods.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/809

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Sec. 809. Instruction in the humane treatment of animals—Any student expressing a moral or religious objection to the performance or witnessing of the dissection of an animal, either wholly or in part, shall be provided the opportunity to undertake and complete an alternative project that shall be approved by such student`s teacher; provided, however, that such objection is substantiated in writing by the student`s parent or legal guardian.

state law, parent or guardian must request

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/809

Use of Animals in Science Experiments/Projects

S 809. Instruction in the humane treatment of animals—Restrictions mention live vertebrates, painful or lethal conditions, and specifies several harmful methods, applies to any school or during any activity conducted under the auspices of such school whether or not the activity takes place on the premises

Live Animals in the Class

S 809. Instruction in the humane treatment of animals—2. Study and care of live animals. Any school which cares for or uses animals for study shall ensure that each animal in such school be afforded the following: appropriate quarters; sufficient space for the normal behavior and postural requirements of the species; proper ventilation, lighting, and temperature control; adequate food and clean drinking water; and quarters which shall be cleaned on a regular basis and located in an area where undue stress and disturbance are minimized.

Additional Info

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/809

Consequence for Non-Compliance?

Humane Ed Mandate: Sec. 809. Instruction in the humane treatment of animals—A school district shall not be entitled to participate in the public school money on account of any school or the attendance at any school subject to the provisions of this section, if the instruction required hereby is not given therein.

North Carolina

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

North Dakota

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Ohio

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Oklahoma

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Oregon

Humane Ed Mandate

336.067 Instruction in ethics and morality. (1) In public schools special emphasis shall be given to instruction in: ... (c) Humane treatment of animals.

https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_336.067

Teacher Training/Guidance

336.067 Instruction in ethics and morality—The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall prepare an outline with suggestions which will best accomplish the purpose of this section, and shall incorporate the outline in the courses of study for all public schools.

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

O.R.S. § 337.300 This Oregon law allows a student in grade kindergarten through grade 12 to refuse to dissect any vertebrate or invertebrate animal. A school district that includes dissection as part of its coursework shall permit students to demonstrate competency in the coursework through alternative materials or methods of learning that do not include the dissection of animals. Further, a teacher may not discriminate against a student or lower the grade of a student for not participating in the dissection of an animal

state law, K-12 specified, student or parent/guardian may request, duty to inform of policy, alternative provided

https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_337.300

Pennsylvania

Humane Ed Mandate

[P.S.] § 15-1514. Humane education

Instruction in humane education shall be given to all pupils up to and including the fourth grade, and need not exceed half an hour each week during the whole school term.

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1949&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=14&chpt=15&sctn=11&subsctn=0

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

School Code PA 30, No. 14 Section 1522 Public or nonpublic school pupils from kindergarten through grade twelve may refuse to dissect, vivisect, incubate, capture or otherwise warm or destroy animals, or any parts thereof, as part of their course of instruction.

state law, K-12 specified, duty to inform of policy, alternative provided

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/LEGIS/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1992&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=0088.&CFID=341765195

Use of Animals in Science Experiments/Projects

[P.S.] § 15-1514. Humane education—No cruel experiment on any living creature shall be permitted in any public school of this Commonwealth.

Live Animals in the Class

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1949&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=14&chpt=15&sctn=11&subsctn=0

Rhode Island

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Chapter 214

An Act Relating to Education Curriculum

Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws entitled “Curriculum” is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: Animal dissection and vivisection—right to refuse—Alternate learning project required

state law, parent/guardian must request, alternative required

http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE16/16-22/16-22-20.htm

South Carolina

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

South Dakota

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Tennessee

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Texas

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Exemption from instruction law- not specific to dissection

state statute

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.26.htm

Utah

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

non-dissection specific repealed in 2019

https://rules.utah.gov/publicat/bulletin/2019/20190415/43610.htm

Vermont

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Vermont H. 711

Sec. 4. 16 V.S.A. § 912 is added to read:

§ 912. PUPIL’S RIGHT OF REFUSAL; ANIMAL DISSECTION

(a) A student in a public elementary or secondary school or an approved independent school shall have the right to be excused from participating in any lesson, exercise, or assessment requiring the student to dissect, vivisect, or otherwise harm or destroy an animal or any part of an animal, or to observe any of these activities, as part of a course of instruction.

state law, duty to inform of policy, alternative provided

https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/023/00912

Virginia

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

§ 22.1-200.01. Alternatives to animal dissection.
Local school divisions shall provide students with alternatives to animal dissection techniques within the relevant public school curriculum or course. The Board of Education shall establish guidelines to be implemented by local school divisions regarding such alternative dissection techniques.

state law, parent must request, duty to inform of policy, alternative project provided—must not be punitive

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/20632/638043630501030000

Washington

Humane Ed Mandate

RCW 28A.230.020
Common school curriculum—Fundamentals in conduct.

All teachers shall stress the importance of ... the worth of kindness to all living creatures and the land.

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.230.020

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

West Virginia

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Wisconsin

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Wyoming

Dissection-Specific Opt-Out

Some districts may have dissection-specific or challenged/controversial materials policies

Sources

https://www.nhes.org/humane-education/the-humane-education-and-advocacy-program/
https://teachheart.org/advocacy/humane-ed-laws/#CA
https://aavs.org/animals-science/laws/student-choice-laws/
https://online.ucpress.edu/abt/article/78/7/560/20675/Prevalence-of-Student-Dissection-Choice-Policies
https://navs.org/learn-more/student-choice-laws-and-policies/
https://www.animallaw.info/content/student-choice-laws-dissection-classroom-laws

Information is current as of August 1, 2023. AWI does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of any information on this webpage.