Pubdate: Wed, 03 Dec 2008 Source: Galesburg Register-Mail (IL) Copyright: 2008 Galesburg Register-Mail Contact: http://www.register-mail.com/news/letters/index.html Website: http://www.galesburg.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3864 Author: Tom Martin Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) DRUG TESTING STUDENT ATHLETES MISGUIDED Drug testing high school athletes is not a wise investment for our schools. Drugs, including alcohol and misused prescription drugs, are a problem for some students, but instituting a random drug testing program for athletes would be a diversion from the schools' charge of educating. At a retreat Nov. 1, District 205 board members discussed drug-testing athletes as a way to maintain the health and safety of teens. While such a program would be well intentioned, we have several concerns about it. First, it's unfair to test only a portion of the student population. Athletes are targeted because they are often high profile, but mostly because they can be tested. The law allows it. Requiring the entire student body to submit to drug tests would violate their Fourth Amendment search and seizure rights. But because athletes would "voluntarily" submit to the testing, it is allowed. Another problem with student drug testing is that it presents a double standard. We're telling kids that being drug free is so important that we are requiring them to urinate in a cup. Yet the adults (with the exception of bus drivers) at the school are not drug-tested. The administrators, teachers and staff clearly carry more responsibility within the school than do students and could do more wide-spread damage to learning if using illegal drugs. This sends a mixed message to students. And while some good could come from drug-testing students - it may prevent a few students from temporarily using drugs - the aim of such a program would be off. Sure, it would be handy if illegal drug use were at the root of school problems. The reality is that drug use is generally a symptom of an existing problem. A kid is unhappy, looking to fit in, has low self esteem, wants attention, etc. There are many causes for people turning to drugs. Those causes don't go away even if the drugs do. High school students are learning to be adults. If we want them to learn how to make good choices then we need to inform them of the dangers of illegal drugs and trust them to make the right decision. A drug testing program tells students, "We don't trust you." Trust is an effective character builder. Finally, a drug testing program would dedicate school resources of money and time to a few problem students - those who want to do drugs and play a sport. Why not use those resources to provide a better education for the majority of students who are not using drugs? Just say no to random drug testing. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin