Pubdate: Tue, 01 Jul 2014
Source: Lima News (OH)
Copyright: 2014 Freedom Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.limaohio.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/990
Author: Jacob Shalkhauser

DRUG TESTING WILL BE INEFFECTIVE

To the editor:

As a 2012 alumnus, I have the upmost respect for the Amherst board of
education and administration. I trust that implementing drug testing
at Steele High School is being done with the best intentions.
Nevertheless, I feel a responsibility to speak up in opposition to
this new policy, for several reasons.

First, random drug tests for students participating in extracurricular
activities (or parking in the school lots) are an unwarranted
violation of privacy.

Second, studies have shown that drug testing in schools is not an
effective way to curtail drug use. A study conducted by the University
of Michigan looked at 891 schools, concluding that random drug testing
had almost no effect on drug use.

Third, in Ohio, underage alcohol use under parental supervision is
legal. Now, however, parents will be forced to pay for their child's
assessment and drug counseling if that child fails his or her drug
test due to alcohol.

Fourth, students may decide to avoid extracurricular activities
because of the drug testing. These positive, often drug-deterring
influences in students' lives will be limited to those who are
drug-free. For many, these activities are motivation to quit. With
extra time on their hands, some may even fall to more dangerous drugs.

Fifth, the use of drugs and alcohol is a personal choice. Forcing
students' actions will not change their mindset on drug use.
(Education on the negative effects of drugs, however, can influence
students' attitudes and habits.)

Finally, it's our responsibility as a community, working together, to
address this problem. The schools are not designed to regulate
students' lives beyond the school day.

This policy will bring with it major unintended consequences,
consequences I fear may damage the lives of our students, our future
students, and Amherst as a whole.

Jacob Shalkhauser
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt