Twenty-one states and Washington D.C. have laws on the books that allow all students in grades K-12 to choose not to dissect animals in the classroom. If you attend school in one of these states and wish to opt out of dissection your teacher is required to provide you with an alternative activity to learn the intended material. For students in states where such laws have not been passed, your school district may have its own policy granting students the option not to dissect. 

Use the interactive map below to find out if your state or school district gives you the right not to dissect. If you are not covered by a state or district policy, consider sending model language to your school board, state board of education or state legislators.