Pubdate: Fri, 04 May 2007 Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI) Copyright: 2007 Honolulu Star-Bulletin Contact: http://www.starbulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196 Author: Donna Fuller Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DRUG TESTS WILL PROTECT STUDENTS FROM ABUSE Drug dependency and addiction traps its users in a vicious cycle that destroys families and ruins lives. Teachers who use illegal drugs and abuse alcohol not only interfere with the student's ability to learn, but also jeopardize the orderly environment necessary for all students to succeed. Just as parents and students can expect schools to offer protection from violence, racism and other forms of abuse, they also have the right to expect a learning environment free from the influence of teachers who might be using or selling drugs. So, if randomly drug testing Hawaii public school teachers can deter drug use or encourage individuals to seek rehabilitation services, then everyone benefits -- students, schools, communities and especially the teachers themselves. Donna Fuller Honolulu - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman