New England Anti-vivisection Society (NEAVS)

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"Day On The Hill" Showcases Dissection Alternatives

Legislators Meet Students, Parents and Teachers

(Boston, MA) April 29, 2003 - Senator Pamela Resor (D-Acton), Representative Louis Kafka (D-Sharon) and the Ethical Science and Education Coalition (ESEC) announce a Day on the Hill on Thursday, May 1, at the State House (Nurses Hall) from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Light food and coffee will be served.

Students, parents, teachers and the public are invited. Representative Kafka is lead sponsor and Senator Resor is a co-sponsor of the Dissection Choice bill, H.1252, which would "permit those students who choose not to participate in dissection to be allowed to demonstrate competency through an alternative method." H. 1252 respects students' ethical and moral beliefs and guarantees a comparable educational alternative consistent with their beliefs. Six other states have similar legislation.

Senator Resor, Representative Kafka and other legislators will be available for interviews.

The day will showcase dissection alternatives, the latest tools in humane education. In addition, the humane, economic and environmental advantages of alternatives will be discussed.

*A recent Tufts University study shows a strong majority (64%) of MA life science teachers support or strongly support dissection choice legislation;

*Studies show that students using alternatives perform as well, if not better, than those using specimens;

*Computer programs are reusable, readily available (often free loans) and therefore more economical than animal specimens;

*Alternatives do not contribute to environmental waste, animal suffering or the depletion of animals from their habitats.

Says Theodora Capaldo, Ed.D, President of ESEC, "This legislation respects values based in compassion. These high-tech, engaging, fun, and sophisticated 'alternatives' are on the frontline of science education and provide answers to today's pressing humane, budgetary and environmental concerns. Most important, the guaranteed right to choose a humane alternative will keep and encourage bright, caring students in science."

This Day on the Hill will provide a forum for parents, legislators, educators, and students, who will be able to TRY alternatives.

Says Capaldo, "Parents, students and teachers contact ESEC for advice. This Day on the Hill provides them an opportunity to meet humane educators and legislators, so they may better understand students' rights and options and be a part of efforts for this needed law."

Adds Capaldo, "Our message is clear: Dissection choice legislation protects students; saves animals who suffer for science classes; saves money; protects the environment; and keeps compassionate students in science. Everybody wins. It doesn't get any better than that."

For copies of H.1252 or for more information contact ESEC at (617) 523-6020 Ext. 27 or esec@neavs.org , www.neavs.org/esec.