Pubdate: Mon, 09 Feb 2004 Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL) Copyright: 2004 The Pensacola News Journal Contact: http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) RANDOM DRUG TESTS PUT EXTRA BURDEN ON SCHOOLS Given the dangers that drug use among teenagers present, it is understandable that we would want to protect them from using drugs. While the idea of steering America's children clear of drugs has broad support, President Bush's $23 million proposal to randomly test students for drug use before they can participate in after-school activities is drawing opposition from some parents, school administrators and civil liberties activists. Congress should join in opposition. Even though the intent of the plan has some merit, random drug testing is an infringement on the constitutional rights of students to be free of government intrusion. It also places an unnecessary burden on schools and their limited resources. The plan promises $23 million for testing. But what becomes of the funding when two or three years down the road the president, under pressure because of an increasing deficit, reduces or eliminates the funding altogether? We know what will happen: The schools will be left holding the bag, having to figure out how to pay for the drug tests. In lieu of school districts' ongoing budget shortfalls, the high cost of such a project is cost-prohibitive. To be sure, drug testing already is done in public schools. The Supreme Court in 1995 allowed random urine tests for student- athletes. That makes more sense because of student-athletes using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs, and the possibility of injury or death related to strenuous activity. But it's wrong to test students simply because they choose to join the Beta Club or the band or participate in other less-demanding after- school activities. How effective can it be if the students who do use drugs don't participate in extracurricular activities? This is simply sending the message to them that they are home free. There is legislation calling for testing of all students, and not just those in after-school activities. This would more effectively reduce student drug use. The bottom line is that government shouldn't take on the role of requiring schools to randomly test students who participate in school activities. Either test only athletes, all students or none at all. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake