DRUG POLICY CHANGED

BECAUSE STUDENTS MAKE the choice to engage in extracurricular activities,
there is nothing wrong with requiring participants to submit to drug tests.

That's why in February, while condemning a Lockney Independent School
District policy requiring mandatory drug tests for junior high and high
school students, we expressed support for "mandatory and random drug testing
for students who choose to participate in extracurricular activities such as
athletics, band or choir, UIL events, work programs or clubs." That's also
what we meant in April, when we said, "random drug testing has a place in
public schools."

Last month, Lockney school trustees tweaked the district's drug policy. Now,
all Lockney junior high and high school students are asked to submit to drug
testing, but such testing is only required of those who choose to
participate in extracurricular activities.

The policy change isn't going to make a federal lawsuit brought by Larry
Tannahill, the father of a student, and the American Civil Liberties Union
go away. But the district's position can be defended. Extracurricular
activities are a privilege, and requirements -- such as passing grades,
certain abilities and even drug testing -- can be made of participants.

Drug testing for extracurricular activities is as legal as drug testing in
the work place. Lockney school trustees have wisely revised the district's
policy.