DRUG TESTS IN SCHOOL

Editor -- Despite proponents' claims that random drug testing in
schools curbs adolescent drug use ("Anti-drug-testing bill threatens
students, " Open Forum, Aug. 20), a recent federal study of 76,000
students by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research
says otherwise.

According to the study, there is no difference in illegal drug use
among students in schools that drug-test as opposed to those that do
not. At each grade level studied, investigators found virtually
identical rates of drug use.

Drug-testing of students is a humiliating, invasive practice that runs
contrary to the principles of due process. It compels teens to submit
evidence against themselves and forfeit their privacy rights as a
requirement for attending school.

Rather than presuming our schoolchildren innocent of illicit activity,
random drug-testing presumes them guilty until they prove themselves
innocent. Is this truly the message our society wishes to send young
people?

PAUL ARMENTANO

Senior policy analyst

NORML Foundation

Washington