Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jul 2004 Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2004 Sarasota Herald-Tribune Contact: http://www.heraldtribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/398 Author: Susan Beckner DRUG TESTS ARE PART OF 'REAL WORLD' I am writing you regarding Tom Lyons' commentary of July 6, "Drug testing for all students may be destructive for American rights." I may be mistaken, but I always thought that students' years in public schools were supposed to prepare them for their adult lives -- they learn how read, write, add, think critically and learn about what is expected of them so they can succeed in the adult world. Tom Lyons and the parents who are upset about mandatory drug testing at Sarasota Military Academy must not have been out in the "real world" lately. Wherever these students apply for employment in today's market, they will be required to submit proof (urine) that they are not using drugs. It's mandatory when you apply for any job now. Nobody complains about "privacy rights" when drug testing is performed for employers, because there is no such thing. It is required so employers can get worker's compensation insurance. Refusal to submit means not being employed. Having drug testing in high schools prepares students for the "real world" that awaits them when they step outside the protected enclaves of academia. Deal with it. Susan Beckner, Nokomis - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart