Student Protests Animal Dissection

At the end of a first-period science class, Simi Valley High School junior Mike Staton tore the cardboard backing from his notebook. In large letters he wrote “Ban Dissection” and in parentheses he wrote, “Murder.” On his way out of class, he taped the sign to the door.

That day last school year launched Mike’s campaign to ban the dissection of animals in the Simi Valley Unified School District. Soon after, he wrote a three-page letter to his teacher, outlining his views. He eventually sent the letter to the mayor, governor and president.

Letters in response--with the exception of the form letter he got back from President Clinton--urged him to discuss the issue with the local board of education. So he did.

Last week, at a school board meeting, he lobbied trustees to consider his cause.

“Are these just tools for us to cut open whenever we please?” Mike said of the animals used for dissection. “Do these animals have rights? I think so.”

The 16-year-old, who says he doesn’t eat meat or any other animal products, proposed that schools use computer or three-dimensional models as a substitute for animal tissue when studying physiology and science. Although the initial cost might be higher, he says, schools could save money in the long run by switching to reusable models instead of disposable bodies.

“It’s supposed to be life sciences, not death sciences,” he said.

Science teacher Wally Boggess Jr., who has taught at Simi Valley High for 22 years, said students dissect animals in the school’s anatomy and physiology and general biology courses.

Boggess said dissection is a valuable tool for students. And he said the school district doesn’t require students to dissect animals if they are opposed to it.

Despite Mike’s efforts, Boggess said he doesn’t think the district will ban dissection any time soon.