HEATH - JUST SAY NO

To the editor:

As a father of two high school teenagers, I read the discussion about
possible random drug testing of students in Dare County with great interest.

My question - why test at all? University of Michigan researchers
concluded drug testing does not deter student drug use. The research,
published in the Journal of School Health, culled data from surveys of
students in 722 secondary schools across the nation from 1998 to 2001. They
found students' drug use in testing schools and nontesting schools were
"virtually identical."

As for those parents and school faculty who endorse such a policy, theirs
should be the first pants unzipped. After all, if a urine sample is
necessary to prove personal integrity, they should lead by example.

While giving their own sample, these parents and faculty should prop a
mirror in front of themselves so that they can watch how ridiculous, stupid
and degrading it is to prove your purity in such a manner.

Another person must be present when the specimen is offered. Better yet,
have a neighbor they don't know very well do the monitoring. This more
accurately recreates the scene which will be asked of teens.

Our kids need to know the dangers related to drug abuse. This information
should come from parents and educators. In neither case will that
information be more openly received if a full urine cup is a prerequisite
to honest communication.

Parents who disagree with coerced drug testing of their teens need to speak
up and tell the schools to Just Say No.

STEPHEN HEATH

Public Relations Director

Drug Policy Forum of Florida

Clearwater FL