Pass Random Drug Tests
Do drug tests pass the test? - ethical issues of drug testing student athletes When the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider a challenge to an Indiana school district's drug policy, some people say, the justices sent a strong message to schools around the country. The message: Random drug testing is OK.
The Rush County (Ind.) case was the first of its kind to reach the Supreme Court. Rush County's policy is different from other schools' policies in that it calls for random drug tests of students who want to participate in any extracurricular activities, not just sports. Lower courts had ruled that the drug tests did not violate students' rights to privacy. By not hearing the case, the Supreme Court let that ruling stand.
Some believe that the non-ruling will cause other schools to implement random drug testing policies. Supporters of drug testing believe drug tests help keep kids off drugs and point out the kids who need help. Opponents feel that any drug testing. is an invasion of student privacy and that the Supreme Court made the wrong decision.
Saving Student Lives
Participating in extracurricular activities, whether it's playing on the football team or joining the chess club, is a privilege, say supporters of random drug testing. In order to participate in those activities, they say, students must achieve a high standard of behavior. Staying away from drugs is one part of that high standard, they contend.
Supporters argue that random drug testing helps keep kids off drugs in two ways. First, it identifies kids with drug problems so that they can get the help they need to get off drugs. Second, it gives students a reason not to try drugs in the first place. The fear of testing positive and losing out on participating in a favorite sport or club, say supporters, will deter kids from drugs.
The bottom line, say supporters, is that random drag testing keeps kids off drugs and may save lives.
Trampling Student Rights
"I think these random drug testing policies are degrading, humiliating, and insulting to students," said American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney David Rocah. The ACLU has been fighting random drug testing in schools for years. The organization recently succeeded in getting school districts in New Jersey and Washington to drop random drug testing.
The ACLU and other opponents of random drag testing say that it violates students' rights to privacy. They note that the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizens protection "against unreasonable searches."
Opponents say that the random drug tests are a form of unreasonable search of a student's body and should be struck down as unconstitutional.
Would you recommend random drug testing for kids involved in extracurricular activities at your school?
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