Pubdate: Mon, 19 Nov 2007
Source: Tifton Gazette (GA)
Copyright: 2007 SGAOnline.com
Contact: http://www.tiftongazette.com/static/forms/lettertoeditor.php
Website: http://www.tiftongazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3206
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

THINK DRUG SCREENS OVER

Tift County School System administrators should think  carefully
before implementing a proposed random drug  testing program for some
students in grades seven  through 12.

The school officials' desire to prevent drug abuse is  understandable,
especially since gang activity seems to  be more prevalent in the
schools today. But why test  only athletes and students involved in
extracurricular  activities? Wouldn't kids involved in sports and
extracurricular activities be less likely to use drugs  than those who
goof around after school doing nothing?

Several "Rant & Rave" callers have raised good points  recently. Among
them:

- -- Inexpensive drug tests can be inaccurate. What  precautions would
be in place to make sure students  weren't punished for false positives?

- -- Will all students be treated the same regardless of  who they
are?

- -- Will the program leave the school system open to  lawsuits? Is it
legal to single out certain groups of  students such as athletes,
civic club members and  drivers?

- -- How much will the program cost and would this money  be better used
buying books and equipment?

- -- Are teachers and staff subject to the same rules?

The program may well be a good idea, but we hope the  school system
will look into these questions thoroughly  before making a decision.
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MAP posted-by: Derek