Pubdate: Thu, 18 Jul 2002
Source: Star-Ledger (NJ)
Copyright: 2002 Newark Morning Ledger Co
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/starledger/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424
Author: Calvina L. Fay
Note: The writer is executive director of the Drug-Free America Foundation.

YES TO DRUG TESTS

Your July 6 editorial "No logic in school drug test" ignores the deadly 
drug epidemic and the health and safety of children. As a drug prevention 
professional and expert on drug testing, I know that it is an excellent 
tool for detecting and deterring drug use. The Supreme Court ruling 
supporting student drug testing is a boost for young people.

Your whining about lack of "substantial evidence of a problem" reminds me 
of a Texas community in the 1980s that implemented workplace drug testing. 
Community leaders didn't believe there was a problem. They were simply 
complying with contract obligations. A few months of random testing 
established that 38 percent of workers were abusing drugs. One normally 
does not know whether the problem exists until testing detects it or 
someone is killed or injured.

You cite invasion of privacy as a reason not to use this valuable tool. 
Privacy in public schools? Anyone who has taken a shower after gym class 
knows better.

I hope parents and teachers encourage districts to tap federal funds 
available through the No Child Left Behind Act to implement drug testing in 
all schools.

Calvina L. Fay, St. Petersburg, Fla.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens