Pubdate: Thu, 21 Nov 2002
Source: Daily Graphic (CN MB)
Copyright: 2002 Portage la Prairie Daily Graphic
Contact:  http://www.bowesnet.com/dailygraphic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/890

RANDOM DRUG TESTS DRACONIAN

Random drug testing of students involved in extracurricular athletic events.

It's an idea school trustees with Garden Valley School Division in Winkler 
are considering.

And now the school board chairwoman is pondering the idea of extending drug 
testing to students in non-athletic extracurricular activities, even though 
the division is not sure of the legalities.

The division's rationale is to tackle the problem of high school students 
using drugs, alcohol and even performance-enhancing drugs. That might be 
well intentioned, but does that not trample on the students' rights to privacy?

It is one thing to set down policies on drug and alcohol use on school 
property, it is another to demand urine samples from students to test for 
illegal substances.

Garden Valley School Division will have to tread carefully on this issue 
because it is legally questionable whether the division has the authority 
to implement such a policy.

At the same time, it is somewhat of a draconian measure to deal with the 
problem of students drinking and using illegal drugs, or 
performance-enhancing drugs for athletes.

There must be less harsh ways of dealing with the problem rather than 
resorting to random urine tests.

The idea of testing students is one other school divisions should avoid 
because it sets a bad tone. It says to students they cannot be trusted and 
that's not the message schools should be sending to children.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart