Pubdate: Thu, 27 Jun 2002
Source: Log Cabin Democrat (AR)
Copyright: 2002 The Log Cabin Democrat
Contact:  http://thecabin.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/548
Author: Doug Crise, Log Cabin Staff Writer

FAULKNER COUNTY SCHOOLS REACT TO SUPREME COURT RULING

School administrators across Faulkner County are reacting today in the wake 
of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on random drug testing in public schools.

The ruling, a 5-4 decision, allows the random testing of any student in 
middle or high school involved in any form of extracurricular activities. 
The ruling markedly broadens the court's original 1995 decision to uphold 
the policy of randomly testing student athletes.

"I think that's significant," said David Bangs, who as assistant principal 
at Vilonia High School helped to spearhead a program of random testing for 
students enrolled in activities. "To be honest, I didn't know how the court 
would rule."

The Vilonia district is not alone among Faulkner County school systems when 
it comes to enforcing a drug testing policy. The Conway and Greenbrier 
school districts have also maintained programs of random testing, though 
the Conway district voted in 2001 to discontinue the policy until a 
decision is handed down by the high court.

Conway district officials could not be reached for comment.

The decision, while met with general enthusiasm by some administrators, has 
also drawn fire from those who claim that to conduct such testing is a 
breach of a student's right to privacy. Dr. Bruce Plopper, a journalism 
professor with children in the Conway district, has been a vocal critic of 
the practice of random testing.

"Given that pediatricians and other national health organizations have come 
out against student drug testing, any school board that tells its students 
they can participate in extracurricular activities only if the school can 
invade their privacy should be ashamed of itself," said Plopper.

Of approximately 14 million American high school students, more than 50 
percent are estimated to participate in extracurricular activities.

See Friday's Log Cabin Democrat for the complete story!
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MAP posted-by: Beth