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
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart