Pubdate: Thu, 18 Jul 2002
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN)
Copyright: 2002 Duluth News-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthtribune/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/553
Author: Observer Dispatch, Utica, N.Y.

ON RANDOM DRUG TESTING

The Supreme Court recently gave its approval to random drug testing of 
public high school students involved in extracurricular activities.

By a vote of 5 to 4, the court ruled that local school officials can 
require drug tests of students in the band or on the debate team.

If we really believe demanding urine samples from the Chess Club will stop 
drug use, why not test all students?

Why not? Because mandatory drug testing for all students begins to sound as 
invasive, excessive and unnecessary as it is.

When tight budgets mean school districts are fighting for the very 
existence of extracurricular activities it is not the time to introduce 
costly measures aimed in the wrong direction: at kids who are involved in 
wholesome activities.

In fact, one of the ways experts including the Partnership for a Drug- Free 
America cite over and over as a way to keep kids away from drugs is to 
involve them in adult-supervised activities after school.

Children are not adults. Still, they are not undeserving of some of the 
rights afforded to adults under the Constitution including an expectation 
of some privacy and protection from unreasonable searches.

Observer Dispatch, Utica, N.Y.
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MAP posted-by: Beth