Rhode Island § 16-22-20 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-22-20 — Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act], with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-22-20. Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-20
§ 16-22-20. Animal dissection and vivisection — Right to refuse — Alternate learning project required.
(a) A parent(s) or legal guardian of any student in a public or nonpublic primary or secondary school may refuse to allow their child to dissect or vivisect any vertebrate or invertebrate animal, or any part of a vertebrate or invertebrate animal.
(b) A school that offers dissection or vivisection as a learning activity shall permit those students whose parent(s) or legal guardian refuse to allow them to participate to demonstrate competency through an alternative method of learning the material that would be covered in the activity. Alternative materials and methods may include but not be limited to: video tapes, models, films, books, computer programs, clay modeling or transparencies.
(c) A teacher shall not discriminate against a student for not participating in dissection or vivisection and shall not lower a grade because a student’s parent or legal guardian has chosen an alternative education project.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 214, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-22-20
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-22-20 cover?
Section 16-22-20 ("Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act]") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-22-20?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-22-20" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-22-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.