Pubdate: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
Source: Victoria Advocate (TX)
Copyright: 2000, Victoria Advocate Publishing Company
Contact:  PO Box 1518 Victoria, Texas 77902
Fax: (316) 574-1225
Feedback: http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/opinion/submit.html
Website: http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/

SCHOOL DISTRICT REINSTATES DRUG TESTING DESPITE RULING

AMARILLO (AP) -- The Tulia Independent School District has reinstated its 
drug testing policy for students involved in extracurricular activities 
despite a federal judge's ruling that the policy is unconstitutional.

"They expressed a desire to continue it as it had been since the judge did 
not order it stopped," Superintendent Mike Vinyard said of the school 
board's action vote last week.

The school board is appealing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Mary Lou 
Robinson to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

In an opinion issued Nov. 30 and finalized earlier this month, Robinson 
said the Tulia school district's argument, which drew parallels to a 
Vernonia, Ore., case, didn't hold up. She said the Oregon case, which was 
heard by the Supreme Court, applied only to student athletes - not all 
students involved in extracurricular activities.
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