For Students and Educators

Conscientious objection is choosing not to participate in an activity that conflicts with one’s personal beliefs or values. In higher education, this allows students who are uncomfortable with animal use in teaching to opt out without facing academic penalties. 

Under the Code, Australian universities that use animals in teaching must have and promote a conscientious objection policy. Yet our research shows that many universities fall short of this mandate. Policies are often unclear, hard to access or poorly enforced, leaving students uncertain about their rights. While some institutions provide alternative learning methods that do not involve animals, others use vague or inconsistent processes that prevent students from making informed choices. 

To address these issues, we’ve developed a sample conscientious objection policy. This policy framework offers a clear, student-friendly set of guidelines designed to ensure that:

• Students are informed of their right to object; 
• A transparent and fair process is available for opting out; and 
• Alternative learning methods are provided wherever possible. 

By sharing this free resource with universities, animal ethics committees, student groups, advocacy organisations and government bodies, we aim to standardise conscientious objection policies across institutions. Strengthening these policies will support students, uphold academic integrity and promote ethical, innovative teaching methods that do not rely on animal use. 

For more information, read our guest blog on harmful animal use in teaching and conscientious objection.