TEACHERS SHOULD CEDE THEIR RIGHT TO PRIVACY

It seems anyone can say that their civil rights to privacy have been
violated when drug testing is imposed on them (Star-Bulletin, July
19). Maybe one can explain the true meaning of civil rights. What does
it reveal to the extent that it's private of that person and not to
anyone else?

One should have no qualms about drug testing. Drug testing is
important to make sure that the teachers do not have drugs controlling
their behavior and our children are not affected. A couple of teachers
were exposed in the local news media, but there could be many others
who weren't. I'm not a teacher, but I would not be afraid to take any
drug tests. I think all teachers who do not use drugs wouldn't mind
taking this drug test.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association should be open and sincere
instead of hiding behind the statement that their civil right to
privacy has been invaded.

Francis K. Ibara

Kahului