Pubdate: Thu, 05 Apr 2001 Source: Shawnee News-Star (OK) Copyright: 2001 The Shawnee News-Star Contact: http://www.onlineshawnee.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/412 Author: Ronda Ellis CONSTITUTIONALITY NO SMALL MATTER To the Editor, I must say I am surprised by the extreme measures to which some are willing to go and the rights they are willing to forgo for drug testing. The constitutionality of any particular law or policy is not a small matter. Millions have died protecting the Constitution, fighting for what it stands for and ensuring that all generations enjoy the freedoms of our forefathers. The Fourth Amendment guarantees us the right against unreasonable searches and seizures. Just being a student in a public school, which is mandatory by law, is not cause to be subject to drug testing. There are many social ills in our country, but we certainly cannot lower ourselves to random searches to try to curtail them. We have the right to feel secure in our property and our persons. We do not live in a police state, and I don't think there are many who really want to start. While I do agree our children have the right to attend school in a drug-free atmosphere, I don't think random testing is the answer, nor do I feel testing those wishing to participate in extracurricular activities is right either. It's been proven such programs help keep kids out of trouble because of their positive incentives; it is a shame to persecute those wanting to be involved. Perhaps it is time for parents to do their job and police their own kids, watch for the signs and be involved in their students' lives -- every part of their lives. Sometimes society's woes can be cured with an ounce of prevention at home. Ronda Ellis Shawnee - --- MAP posted-by: Beth