DRUG TESTING STUDENT ATHLETES MISGUIDED

Drug testing high school athletes is not a wise investment for our
schools.

Drugs, including alcohol and misused prescription drugs, are a problem
for some students, but instituting a random drug testing program for
athletes would be a diversion from the schools' charge of educating.

At a retreat Nov. 1, District 205 board members discussed drug-testing
athletes as a way to maintain the health and safety of teens. While
such a program would be well intentioned, we have several concerns
about it.

First, it's unfair to test only a portion of the student population.
Athletes are targeted because they are often high profile, but mostly
because they can be tested. The law allows it. Requiring the entire
student body to submit to drug tests would violate their Fourth
Amendment search and seizure rights. But because athletes would
"voluntarily" submit to the testing, it is allowed.

Another problem with student drug testing is that it presents a double
standard. We're telling kids that being drug free is so important that
we are requiring them to urinate in a cup. Yet the adults (with the
exception of bus drivers) at the school are not drug-tested. The
administrators, teachers and staff clearly carry more responsibility
within the school than do students and could do more wide-spread
damage to learning if using illegal drugs. This sends a mixed message
to students.

And while some good could come from drug-testing students - it may
prevent a few students from temporarily using drugs - the aim of such
a program would be off. Sure, it would be handy if illegal drug use
were at the root of school problems. The reality is that drug use is
generally a symptom of an existing problem. A kid is unhappy, looking
to fit in, has low self esteem, wants attention, etc. There are many
causes for people turning to drugs. Those causes don't go away even if
the drugs do.

High school students are learning to be adults. If we want them to
learn how to make good choices then we need to inform them of the
dangers of illegal drugs and trust them to make the right decision. A
drug testing program tells students, "We don't trust you." Trust is an
effective character builder.

Finally, a drug testing program would dedicate school resources of
money and time to a few problem students - those who want to do drugs
and play a sport.

Why not use those resources to provide a better education for the
majority of students who are not using drugs?

Just say no to random drug testing.