HEALEY PLAN MISGUIDED

Random School Drug Tests No Answer

A proposal from Lt. Gov. Kerry M. Healey to institute random drug testing
in the public schools is misguided and perhaps illegal.

The plan, part of a $9.1 million antidrug package, calls for testing
students during the regular school day, provided their parents give
permission for the tests.

Indeed, the rate of substance abuse by Massachusetts teenagers is among the
highest in the country.

However, to require students to take random drug tests, without cause,
could only lead to greater suspicion and anger by the students toward
school staff and parents, further harming communications between young
people and adults.

The plan also would be costly: about $20,000 per school for the testing and
another $80,000 per school for substance abuse counseling.

Although the program is voluntary for schools, the reaction of local school
officials has been mixed, perhaps because similar programs in other states
have had inclusive results, at best.

The plan also adds another layer of responsibility on schools and their
staffs, which already are burdened with many issues that more properly
should be handled in the home or by support services available to families.

And parents currently have confidential resources available to them to deal
with children who may be abusing drugs and/or alcohol: the school nurse and
guidance counselors, the family doctor and local health clinics.

Ms. Healey's proposal raises serious legal questions, especially regarding
privacy and unwarranted searches and seizures.

Clearly, the money could be better spent on prevention, treatment and
after-school programs, all proven to be effective drug deterrents.