Ozarks Voices

TEENS ARE OK WITH DRUG TESTS

The News-Leader says that student drug testing is misguided and
disturbing. So are the reasons it gave for opposing it. It cites the
so-called failure of the DARE program as a reason not to test. That
doesn't mean this also will fail. If that educational program
failed, then why insist on more? Why not attempt to curb drug use in
a different way? Why not try a way that puts students in a position
where taking a drug test will affect their extracurricular activities?

If one student turns down drugs for fear of failing a drug test,
then it does work. The purpose of student drug testing isn't
necessarily to catch students doing drugs. The purpose is to be a
deterrent from doing drugs in the first place. It gives teens a
solid reason to turn down the lure and pressure of drug use.

The News-Leader also cites personal freedoms as a reason not to test
students. It's not a disturbing trend, as it says. It's a way to
respond to drug problems in our schools. A good reason to test
students is safety. It protects the student and those around them.
But shouldn't our society be used to measures that limit our
personal freedom all in the name of safety? Speed limits, DUIs and
underage driving laws restrict personal freedom all in the name of
safety. Laws and decisions are made for our good. This
decision isn't out of the ordinary and isn't misguided.

Drug testing isn't intrusive or against the Constitution, as some
say. The Supreme Court says this. It isn't discriminatory either.
Educators will say that participating in extracurricular activities
isn't a right, but a privilege. Those who want to participate need
to submit to random drug tests. Drug testing isn't punishment or
discrimination. We shouldn't view this as something negative, but
helpful based on the current drug use by teens.

I offer my viewpoints based on personal experience. I am employed by
the company who performed the drug tests on the Branson students and
on the board members who approved it. I have given hundreds of drug
tests to students.

Countless times a teen will tell me they don't do drugs because they
have so much to lose. More teens tell me they think it's a good idea
than those who complain about it. If they are the ones taking the
tests and don't mind, then why should the News-Leader mind?