School Board approves dissection waivers

By Emily Richmond

Friday, April 12, 2002 | 9:44 a.m.

Students should be allowed to opt out of dissections in science classes, provided they have their parents' support, the Clark County School Board voted Thursday.

The board voted unanimously to revise the existing rules governing class participation in dissection and offer alternative projects to students who have strong moral or ethical objections.

Boulder City eighth grader Laurie Wolff, who led the charge to revise the rules, was praised by board member Susan Brager-Wellman for her well-organized campaign, which included a petition drive and several public presentations to school officials.

"I hope you will always continue to come forward for what you believe in," Brager-Wellman told Laurie, who attended Thursday's meeting along with her mother and grandmother.

Laurie, an "A" student who received a "C" in a science class two years ago after refusing to cut up an earthworm, said she was thrilled the rules had been changed before she reached high school, where many students are asked to dissect everything from sheep brains to cats.

"You don't learn anything about an animal by cutting it up," said Laurie, 13. "It's a waste when there are so many other ways to learn about science without having to kill something first."

Students will need a written statement from their parents or guardians in order to be excused from the traditional dissection. School officials say they are considering several alternatives, including a computer simulator.