Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jun 2002
Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2002 South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.sun-sentinel.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1326
Author: Daniel Enriquez, Belal Jaber, La-gaye Sailsman

STUDENTS' REACTION TO DRUG TESTS: SOME SAY IT'S FAIR, OTHERS UNSURE

South Florida students were divided over Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court 
decision to expand random drug testing at public schools, with reactions 
ranging from agreement to outrage.

"As long as you get good grades, and it doesn't have an effect on your 
after-school activities, it's none of the school's business," said 
Stranahan High School graduate John Alvarez.

Previously only athletes were subject to random drug tests . Under the 
ruling schools can require drug tests for students in any activity, such as 
band or the debate team.

Candase Gregg, a senior at Blanche Ely High in Pompano Beach, said it's 
only fair.

"Athletes aren't the only ones doing drugs out there," said Gregg, who 
participates in Student Council and the National Honor Society.

According to the ruling, students who participate in after-school 
activities should expect to have less privacy than those who do not.

Bryan Candelaria, a senior at Coral Reef High School in Miami, agreed.

"I personally think [the ruling] is great," said Candelaria, 17. "When you 
represent your school, you need to project a clean image."

Not everyone believes that drug testing will be effective.

Jesse Perez, a senior at Plantation High, called the measures "ridiculous."

"It's not going to solve anything," Perez said.

Justin Wetherington, a sophomore at Fort Lauderdale High, noted that drug 
testing in high school may prevent problems at later stages in life, 
particularly in athletes.

"Look at the steroid scandal going on now in baseball," said Wetherington, 
an honors student and baseball player. "If they would've been tested in 
high school, we might not have had this problem."

Lauren Schwartz, a recent graduate of Olympic Heights High in Boca Raton 
doubts the ruling will control drug use.

"Students heavily into drugs don't participate in after-school activities 
much, they're more into themselves," she said.
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