DRUG TESTS INVASIVE

I am deeply concerned that schools are planning to run random drug tests on
students involved in extracurricular activities in local schools. Not only
does this new policy seem redundant, but it violates the rights and privacy
of students.

While random drug screening may be necessary for those students involved in
sports, testing students involved in the math or science clubs are not
generally a threat for drug use. It is always a concern for schools that
their athletes may turn to enhancement drugs, such as steroids, to keep
with the demands of their chosen sport.

I do not feel that students on the debate team are at high risk for taking
drugs. To think that students with enough sense to join these academic
clubs would consider ruining their future by taking drugs is ridiculous.
Perhaps this makes me naive, but I feel that these students are the least
likely to take drugs out of the entire school.

If schools are willing to put so much of needed funds into random drug
screening, why can't they provide better books, more choices of classes,
scholarships, or even more after school activities. What I find most
amusing is that schools want to cut after-school activities, cancel special
classes and assemblies, and cut teacher's wages, but they are happy to
spend money on a witch hunt.

- -- SARAH DOUGLAS

Mechanicsburg