Pubdate: Sun, 30 Jun 2002
Source: Shawnee News-Star (OK)
Copyright: 2002 The Shawnee News-Star
Contact:  http://www.news-star.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/412
Author: Mike J. McCormick, Executive Editor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

A MONUMENTAL DECISION

Our View

In a narrow 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the 
Tecumseh School Board and its drug testing policy. This ruling is 
monumental and far-reaching and could impact several million students 
involved in extracurricular and athletic activities.

The ruling, handed down Thursday, expands a 1995 decision by the court that 
allowed random testing of student athletes. The most recent decision will 
permit schools to randomly test students not only involved in athletics, 
but also those involved in a variety of extracurricular activities ranging 
from academic bowl teams, to band programs to cheerleading and others.

The court, in its ruling this week, stopped short, however, of allowing 
random testing for any student, regardless of whether or not that student 
is involved in extracurricular activities. Several justices reportedly have 
indicated they would like the opportunity to address that issue as well.

The court was heavily divided on this drug testing issue as the 5-4 vote 
would indicate. If even one of the justices had voted differently the 
decision would have a completely different impact.

This had to be a difficult ruling for the Supreme Court justices. It was 
equally, or possibly more, so for the Tecumseh School Board to make when it 
first began defending its policy and the ultimate decision to take it to 
the highest court in the land.

Some of those who oppose this decision probably will support some of the 
statements from the dissenting Supreme Court justices who labeled it 
unreasonable, capricious and even perverse.

However, schools around the country face difficulties today in dealing with 
students who use and sell illegal drugs. Whether a high percentage of those 
involved with drugs participate in athletics and extracurricular activities 
may be unknown.

Our guess would be there are some, but there is probably less drug use 
among these student groups than those who are not involved in athletics and 
extracurricular activities.

Still, the students who participate in these are expected to uphold a 
certain standard as they represent a school district.

We support Thursday's ruling handed down by the court. It won't be popular 
in the face of many, especially those who have a tendency to buy, sell and 
use illegal drugs.

But, this monumental decision by the court could have a dramatic impact on 
assisting school districts throughout the nation as they deal with drug 
usage. School administrators need all the tools they can to confront these 
problems and we hope they utilize this decision that enhances their 
capabilities to do so but with proper restraint.
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