Pubdate: Thu, 04 Jul 2002
Source: Courier News (NJ)
Copyright: 2002 IN Jersey.
Contact:  http://www.c-n.com/c-n/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2163
Author: David G. Evans

DRUG TESTING HELPS PROTECT OUR KIDS

The United States Supreme Court acted with common sense in deciding that 
schools can conduct drug and alcohol testing of students. This great 
decision gives parents and schools a powerful tool to help children stay 
off drugs. This is a real boost for the kids who want to stay safe and 
drug-free because testing gives them a chance to say "no" when approached 
to use drugs. It is critical to deter drug use during school years because 
kids on drugs cannot learn. School administrators and parents need 
reasonable tools to stop drug users and drug dealers from ruining school 
for everyone. Drug testing is also used to help kids who need counseling.

Drug testing is a proven and cost-effective deterrent to drug use. It is 
used in the military and the workplace and has proven its value. Experience 
shows that funds spent on drug testing reduce overall costs due to drug and 
alcohol abuse. In schools these cost-saving results are achieved by the 
reduction of staff time, accidents, and violence due to drug use. Drug 
testing costs only a few thousand dollars per school. This is a minor 
expense for protecting our children.

The Drug-Free Schools Coalition is an organization of schools 
administrators, school counselors, parents, and students dedicated to 
helping schools become drug-free.

DAVID G. EVANS

Executive Director, Drug-Free Schools Coalition, Flemington
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MAP posted-by: Ariel