JUST NOT RIGHT

Last week the 100 Mile Free Press carried a story indicating that the
100 Mile Junior High has introduced breathalyzers and drug testing
kits into its hallways.

"It's a pro-active approach to just saying no to drugs and alcohol in
the school," said school principal, Mark Wintjes. "It's not in
reaction to a problem at the Junior, but it's more of a pro-active
approach saying that drugs and alcohol don't mix with learning."

Wintjes can certainly be commended for caring about his students, for
trying to combat what appears to be a growing drug and alcohol
problem among youth. Nobody wants to see children become drug addicts
or alcoholics.

But the idea of breathalyzers and drug testing seems to be extreme
and somewhat offensive. It appears to be addressing a potential
problem through the use of intimidation.

Yes, the student can refuse and yes, the parents can interject. But,
do we really want our children being subjected to that kind of
intimidation? Do you want your child, who may not be doing drugs, to
be put through the humiliation of being asked to take a test, of
being accused even remotely of being a drug user or of having a drug
problem. Wouldn't it make you somewhat angry that someone would do
that to your child, even if they have the best of intentions. And
wouldn't your child feel angry and resentful that someone would think
that about them?

Who is to judge who looks stoned first thing in the morning? Can
students ask that their teacher or principal be tested? Defending
liberties and freedoms is a difficult balancing act.

The question of collective rights vs individual rights is one that is
fought almost every day in our courts. Many excellent laws have been
put in place to serve the collective good of society. Some of those
laws involved sacrificing personal freedom. For example, as an adult,
you are allowed to drink in excess in the privacy of your home. This
is your choice. You harm yourself by doing so. However you can't be
drunk in a public place and you can't drink and drive because you may
harm someone else.

The war against drug and alcohol abuse is a battle that all of
society must fight. But hopefully it can be done through education,
and caring and counselling. Our children have a right to live with
dignity and respect. Our school system should be at the forefront of
ensuring that those basic rights are not abused by anyone, including
those in authority.