ESEC Responds

ESEC Commends The Berkshire Eagle

April 23, 2001

Letters to the Editor
ATTN: William Everhart, Editor
The Berkshire Eagle
75 S. Church St., #1
Pittsfield, MA 01201-6132
VIA FAX: (413) 499-3419

To the Editor,

The Ethical Science and Education Coalition (ESEC) wishes to commend The Berkshire Eagle for including the Los Angeles Times article, "Study Finds Warming Tied to Decline of Amphibians," in its April 5, 2001 edition.

Many students, teachers, and parents are also aware of the perilous situations for amphibians around the world. Students who have developed this sensitivity to the depletion of our natural resources often choose not to participate in specimen dissection in their science classes. Frogs, for example, and various other species used in dissection labs are wild-caught. Students recognize that the dissection industry’s wild-harvesting practices place an unnecessary burden on an already at risk population.

Concerned Massachusetts parents and students can support the rights of students to choose alternatives to specimen dissections in their classes.

They should contact their senator and state representative and urge passage of H. 1252 "An Act Relative to Dissection Choice." Introduced in Massachusetts this legislative session by Representative Louis Kafka this bill prevents discrimination and academic penalty based on a student’s decision not to participate in specimen dissection. H. 1252 is currently co-sponsored by over 40 legislators, including Assistant Majority Whip Lida Harkins. (See ESEC's most current information on H.1252)

Sincerely,

Theodora Capaldo, EdD
President/Executive Director

ESEC is a Boston based not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators who choose alternatives to specimen dissection, which include the latest computer and photographic technology.