RANDOMLY TESTING STUDENTS SHOULD BE PART OF AN ANTI-DRUG STRATEGY

Cumberland County schools want to get drugs off their campuses, and
some administrators are betting that conducting random drug tests on
athletes will help them do it.

Cumberland County Board of Education members offered no objections to
a drug testing plan that was presented by the Policy Committee last
week, and are expected to vote in favor of the proposal next week.

It's understood why they support the proposal. Similar drug testing
programs in a few North Carolina school systems have shown some
success with prevention. But testing a select group of students is a
tactic, not a strategy. To effectively address the problem of drug use
among students, the schools must also develop programs that promote
trust and dialogue between students and adults, and they should tailor
drug-prevention messages to reach all students - not just athletes.

Some argue that randomly testing athletes is intrusive and unfair. But
sports are voluntary activities, on which the schools can set
conditions. Athletes already have to meet special requirements like
maintaining high grade-point averages and staying out of trouble.
Passing a drug test is no different.

Some critics point out that athletes are not, by definition, less
trustworthy. It's true, athletes aren't the only students who are
tempted to use drugs. But it makes sense to focus on them because of
the great numbers of students who participate in school-sponsored
sports. In order for random drug testing to have the best deterrent
effect, schools must reach as may students as possible. Also, in many
cases student athletes hold leadership roles in their schools and
communities. If athletes remain drug-free they just might encourage
some of their peers to do the same.

The best thing about the proposed program is that testing gives
parents an opportunity for intervention and treatment. Students who
test positive would not face academic penalties or be turned over to
law enforcement. Instead, they would receive drug counseling and face
suspension from extracurricular activities.

Protecting young people from drugs requires more than a drug test. The
school board must also develop an education program that avoids
dishonest scare tactics and recognizes the range of drug use and
misuse. Drug education could be incorporated into chemistry, biology,
psychology and history classes. Schools should also encourage parents
to get informed so they can recognize the signs of drug abuse.

A comprehensive anti-drug program will help keep our children safe.
Drug testing can be an important part of that strategy.