DRUG TESTS ARE PART OF 'REAL WORLD'

I am writing you regarding Tom Lyons' commentary of July 6, "Drug testing
for all students may be destructive for American rights." I may be
mistaken, but I always thought that students' years in public schools were
supposed to prepare them for their adult lives -- they learn how read,
write, add, think critically and learn about what is expected of them so
they can succeed in the adult world.

Tom Lyons and the parents who are upset about mandatory drug testing at
Sarasota Military Academy must not have been out in the "real world" lately.

Wherever these students apply for employment in today's market, they will
be required to submit proof (urine) that they are not using drugs. It's
mandatory when you apply for any job now. Nobody complains about "privacy
rights" when drug testing is performed for employers, because there is no
such thing. It is required so employers can get worker's compensation
insurance. Refusal to submit means not being employed.

Having drug testing in high schools prepares students for the "real world"
that awaits them when they step outside the protected enclaves of academia.
Deal with it.

Susan Beckner, Nokomis