Pubdate: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 Source: Honolulu Advertiser (HI) Copyright: 2007 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. Contact: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/195 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1371/a08.html Author: Ted Kanemori Fourth Amendment WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO TEST TEACHERS FOR DRUGS Referencing a letter written by Jim Henshaw (Letter, Nov. 24), it is inferred that the Fourth Amendment should be upheld with regards to drug testing. It is not unreasonable to expect our educators to be drug free, but time and time again, it has been found that some of these professionals don't understand the concept and rules. I agree with the Fourth Amendment, but under the circumstances, the employer (the DOE) and general public have a right to "safety and protection." Random drug testing for teachers defines how important we the people consider the teaching position. We entrust our children to the competence and care of school employees. Private business has long used drug testing to ensure that their employees are mindful and dependable. What makes teachers different from other people that hold important, responsible positions? The overwhelming majority of teachers have nothing to hide, agreed with the terms and conditions of the drug tests and ratified their contract. The few teachers who disagree and have sided with the ACLU should be given the choice to find other employment, where they won't be tested. Ben Clinger's editorial comments (Letter, Nov. 21) said "Random drug testing is a valuable option to the employer, and ultimately the public, in an attempt to keep people honest and to reduce the exposure of our youth to drugs." Ben, you are exactly correct. Ted Kanemori Kane'ohe - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake