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.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine