Pubdate: Wed, 27 Sep 2006 Source: St. Petersburg Times (FL) Copyright: 2006 St. Petersburg Times Contact: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/ Website: http://www.sptimes.com/home.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1271/a09.html Author: Cal Everett Note: Printed in Hernando Times regional opinion section 'WITCH HUNT' NOT A GOOD ANALOGY Re: School drug testing sounds like witch hunt, Sept. 24 Times editorial: School drug testing may look like a witch hunt, but it isn't one. The difference between superintendent Wendy Tellone's drug-testing initiative and the witch hunts of old is this: There weren't really any witches in New England, but there really are drugs in Hernando County schools. The drug problem in our schools isn't limited or isolated, but rather it is pervasive and sweeping. When I was a student at Hernando High School until 2003, I implored Dr. Tellone and School Board members to do whatever it takes to turn our schools back to a culture of learning and away from a culture of drug and alcohol abuse. The School Board has tried promoting drug education and treatment, but this has not been enough. Finally, they are considering doing something more. I am sensitive to the privacy concerns associated with random drug testing, but the risks associated with allowing students to participate in strenuous athletic activities, or drive vehicles on crowded campuses outweigh privacy concerns. Remember, it's only a witch hunt when there are no witches. Cal Everett Brooksville - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath