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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth