PROTECT RIGHTS WHILE KEEPING KIDS OFF DRUGS

THE SALEM SCHOOL superintendent asks if the ACLU will go to the funeral of
the next student who overdoses on drugs and say we protected his privacy
("Spurred by son's addiction, educator pushes drug testing," Page A1, Jan.
18). The suggestion that opponents of drug testing don't care about the
safety of young people is false and simplistic. There is no evidence that
random drug testing deters teenagers from using illegal drugs. But
education, counseling, and good supervision can help without raising
constitutional concerns. Indeed, the Salem superintendent acknowledges
ignoring warning signals for a year about his own son.

While the Supreme Court has OK'd random drug testing of students who
participate in athletic or extracurricular activities, it is likely that
the Massachusetts Constitution would not permit it. Furthermore, studies
show that students who take part in these activities are less likely to
abuse drugs. We should encourage students to be involved, not discourage
them. And accurate drug tests are expensive; that's money that would better
be spent on effective counseling and prevention. The Salem study committee
should consult with experts on substance abuse and reject an approach that
is ineffective and violates important rights for students.

SARAH WUNSCH

Boston

The writer is a staff attorney for the ACLU of
Massachusetts.