To the editor:

Animal dissection, which was first used in classrooms in the early part of the last century, is still being used in some Kennebunk High School classes. In recent years, dissection has been increasingly scrutinized. Experts have reevaluated the educational worth and morality of cutting up animals just to “see how they work.”

Compassionate students want to study biology without dissecting animals. Sophisticated computer simulations, videodiscs, and models have been developed to meet the needs of these students. All the studies of this issue show that students who use alternatives perform as well or better than students who use dissection.

Biology is the study of life and should teach respect for life, not devalue it by treating living things as disposable objects. By using humane teaching methods, instructors can teach science and ethics simultaneously.

To all of the students who were not aware of the immorality of dissection; you do have a choice. Maine has a dissection choice policy, which means that alternatives to dissection must be available in all classes. You will not be scrutinized or ostracized for choosing an alternate activity. It only makes sense that biology (also known as the study of life) is taught in an ethical and respectful manner.

Brittany Landry

Kennebunk High School Senior