Pubdate: Sat, 22 Mar 2003
Source: Times, The (LA)
Copyright: 2003 The Times
Contact:  http://www.shreveporttimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1019
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

BILL FOR DRUG-FREE PLEDGE FAILS LEGITIMACY TEST

Legislation Targets Tops Students For Drug Tests.

A 2.5 grade point average in a more demanding curriculum and a good college 
entrance exam score aren't enough, says one South Louisiana lawmaker who 
wants to add another requirement to the process of getting a state-paid 
scholarship: passing a drug test.

Sen. Butch Gautreaux, D-Morgan City, has filed a bill that would require 
all Tuition Opportunity Program for Students scholarship recipients to sign 
a drug-free pledge, submit to a drug test and pass it before the start of 
the 2004 fall semester.

For all the good intentions that may be behind Senate Bill 117, it stands 
every chance of sending exactly the wrong message and achieving a great 
deal of harm.

Should the state be in the business of supporting the educational endeavors 
of students who use drugs? No, but neither should the state be in the 
business of conducting a witch hunt. It's also worth questioning exactly 
what the state would achieve by rooting out high academic achievers who 
test positive for drug use and discontinuing their access to a better 
education.

It requires a monumental leap of logic to assert that Senate Bill 117 would 
have any profound effect in a student's decision-making process concerning 
drug use. And, it's not beyond reason to consider that at least some of 
those students relying on narcotics use as a crutch may be even more likely 
to renew or increase their drug use, once they have been denied access to 
higher education.

One of the primary mysteries behind Senate Bill 117 is its origin. Where 
are the legitimate reports or believable accusations that there exists a 
drug problem among exceptional students?

The TOPS scholarships are an expensive undertaking for the state, with a 
price tag in the $102 million-a-year range for more than 39,000 students. 
But, the state would be better off battling the problems that 
unquestionably exist, instead of the ones manufactured out of thin air.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager