PUNISHMENT FOR REFUSING MANDATORY DRUG TEST APPEALED

Boy's Father Says Schools Are Violating His Rights

LOCKNEY, Texas -- A father has challenged the suspension of his
12-year-old son for refusing to take a drug test required of every
student in the school district.

The Lockney district has decided to punish sixth-grader Brady
Tannahill, the only student to refuse the test, as if he had tested
positive. He faces a 21-day suspension from extracurricular
activities, at least three days' suspension from school and substance
abuse counseling.

Brady could also be required to take a drug test monthly for a
year.

The school board approved the drug policy, which requires a signed
parental consent form allowing the drug tests, last year. The
mandatory testing of the district's teachers and 399 students in
grades six through 12 was completed last week.

Larry Tannahill met with his son's junior high principal
Friday.

"That is basically the start-up of the appeal," Tannahill said. "That
will give Brady another 10 days in school, just like nothing happened,
and then we'll go to the school board."

Tannahill said the policy trampled his parental rights and could deny
his son access to a public education.