Pubdate: Wed, 08 Nov 2006 Source: 100 Mile House Free Press (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 100 Mile House Free Press Contact: http://www.100milefreepress.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2143 JUST NOT RIGHT Last week the 100 Mile Free Press carried a story indicating that the 100 Mile Junior High has introduced breathalyzers and drug testing kits into its hallways. "It's a pro-active approach to just saying no to drugs and alcohol in the school," said school principal, Mark Wintjes. "It's not in reaction to a problem at the Junior, but it's more of a pro-active approach saying that drugs and alcohol don't mix with learning." Wintjes can certainly be commended for caring about his students, for trying to combat what appears to be a growing drug and alcohol problem among youth. Nobody wants to see children become drug addicts or alcoholics. But the idea of breathalyzers and drug testing seems to be extreme and somewhat offensive. It appears to be addressing a potential problem through the use of intimidation. Yes, the student can refuse and yes, the parents can interject. But, do we really want our children being subjected to that kind of intimidation? Do you want your child, who may not be doing drugs, to be put through the humiliation of being asked to take a test, of being accused even remotely of being a drug user or of having a drug problem. Wouldn't it make you somewhat angry that someone would do that to your child, even if they have the best of intentions. And wouldn't your child feel angry and resentful that someone would think that about them? Who is to judge who looks stoned first thing in the morning? Can students ask that their teacher or principal be tested? Defending liberties and freedoms is a difficult balancing act. The question of collective rights vs individual rights is one that is fought almost every day in our courts. Many excellent laws have been put in place to serve the collective good of society. Some of those laws involved sacrificing personal freedom. For example, as an adult, you are allowed to drink in excess in the privacy of your home. This is your choice. You harm yourself by doing so. However you can't be drunk in a public place and you can't drink and drive because you may harm someone else. The war against drug and alcohol abuse is a battle that all of society must fight. But hopefully it can be done through education, and caring and counselling. Our children have a right to live with dignity and respect. Our school system should be at the forefront of ensuring that those basic rights are not abused by anyone, including those in authority. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine