Communities:

ACLU BOARD TO SEAT TEEN WHO SUED OVER DRUG TESTING

Name: Ginelle Weber, 19, Cottage Grove

Past claim to fame: At age 15, Weber forfeited her sports career and
sued the Oakridge School District for invasion of privacy over its
random drug-testing policy for student-athletes. Two lower courts
ruled against Weber, and the Oregon Supreme Court refused to review
her appeal. The district suspended the drug-testing last fall for lack
of money.

Current claim to fame: Weber this week becomes the youngest person
ever elected to the ACLU of Oregon board of directors. She will serve
a three-year term.

How she got involved with ACLU: The American Civil Liberties Union
represented Weber in her fight against the drug-testing policy. After
a trip to Europe with girlfriends last fall, she decided to volunteer
at ACLU's Eugene office.

Ginelle Weber began volunteering with the ACLU out of gratitude for
its legal help on her privacy case. "It's grown into an enjoyment and
a need to better understand the Constitution."

"I felt I owed the ACLU a little bit, but it's grown into an enjoyment
and a need to better understand the Constitution, how it works and
what's going on politically about it."

How else she keeps busy: Weber still lives with her parents and
brother in Cottage Grove. She works on an organic farm and is taking
several community education classes at the University of Oregon that
appeal to her eclectic interests: civil rights and liberties, ballroom
dancing and yoga.

What she hopes to be doing five years from now: "Oh, geez, how about
five minutes from now?"

Is she a crusader?: "I think every time you speak out on something you
feel passionate about, you're crusading for it. Even if it's just
talking to a friend, anybody, just start talking, say what you're
thinking. Keep yourself informed."