We sympathize with these students' position.It is often disconcerting at first to realize that members of the Wesleyan community are using and sometimes killing animals in scientific tests. Students are especially justified in their concern over whether the animals are suffering unnecessarily during these experiments.

Yet the researchers appear to be taking great care in ensuring that the animals suffer as little as possible. Our findings indicate that the professors have shown an appropriate appreciation of the seriousness of this issue. And it seems animals are only being used ethically and responsibly. 

Here at Wesleyan, animal research is essential if we want to progress as a research institution. Facilitatin animal testing on campus opens all sorts of opportunities for students and faculty alike -- both are able to pursue a wider range of experiments thanks to animal testing. 

Animal research also helps further Wesleyan's goals as an educational institution. Students interested in participating in animal testing can get an early start by assisting professors in experiments on campus. And faculty can be sure to responsibly introduce students to animal research in a carefully-controlled environment that meets strict standards.

The truth is, we all benefit from animal research. Anyone who has been vaccinated against the measles or polio or heptatis, for instance, is currently enjoying the immunity made possible only through animal research. Ultimately, students should accept or even embrace the fact that members of our community are participating in scientific animal research.