Pubdate: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 Source: Gazette, The (CO) Copyright: 2002 The Gazette Contact: http://www.gazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/876 Author: Thomas Gartner Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n603/a09.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Kids' Rights RANDOM TESTS AT SCHOOLS ARE TOO INTRUSIVE The Gazette's March 21 Our View, "Kids' rights?" was unconscionable. True, there is a legal difference between adults and minors. But, a big reason we are having so many problems with the public school system is the Gestapo tactics used by the public education system. I am all for the use of urine tests if an extracurricular activity, such as sports, could cause the students to use banned substances. However, the blatant use of urine tests based on a whim or because the principal got up on the wrong side of the bed smacks the face of individual rights. I understand the need for students to be held accountable for their actions, but where is the respect and dignity from the public education system that fosters an atmosphere of trust? I strongly feel that our education system is just one step from being a penal colony in which we in society are the losers. Now that the education system has the authority to urine test anybody, why not keep the students at school until they turn 18? Then the public education system would know what their students were doing 24 hours a day. Thus, the public education system would be the perfect baby-sitting service, preventing minors from assimilation into society as the torchbearers of democracy. Remember, absolute power corrupts absolutely. I would like to know if the public education system randomly conducts urine tests on its employees? Thomas Gartner Colorado Springs - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel