Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jul 2003
Source: Bergen Record (NJ)
Copyright: 2003 Bergen Record Corp.
Contact:  http://www.bergen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/44
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

RANDOM DRUG TESTING

LAST WEEK'S ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court on student drug testing
offers schools another option for fighting substance abuse. But under the
wording of the carefully phrased opinion, random drug testing of high school
students is likely to remain rare. That's a good thing.

In a 4-3 vote, the court upheld the program used by Hunterdon Central
Regional High School, which randomly tests students involved in all
extracurricular activities and all students who park cars on school
property. School officials say the testing was a reaction to increased drug
use and has been a deterrent.

The Supreme Court's narrow vote upheld Hunterdon Central's right to test the
students, but said the model can only be used within strict limits and only
with evidence of a big drug problem. New Jersey schools already have the
authority to test those students who exhibit signs of drug use and student
athletes. Only nine districts in the state randomly test athletes.

The line between school safety and effectiveness and students'
constitutional rights is a fine one. Although high school students don't
have the same rights as adults, they shouldn't be treated as if they lived
in a totalitarian state and had no rights at all. Most districts have
decided they can keep substance abuse under control without resorting to
random testing.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh