PA. LAWMAKER WANTS DRUG TESTS FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS

Following up on plans outlined in President Bush's annual address to the
American people, a Pennsylvania lawmaker formally introduced a new program
Wednesday encouraging public schools to test students for drug use.

The $23 million testing plan, targeted at grades 8-12, would not be
mandatory, but parents who do not want their children to participate
would have to opt out. It is sure to draw critics who argue the pilot
program will invade student privacy.

But Rep. John Peterson, R-Pa., said efforts to get youngsters off
drugs far outweigh any concerns over their privacy.

''This is about helping kids,'' Peterson said, noting that recent
studies indicate 54 percent of high school seniors in 2001 had tried
an illicit drug.

''In my view, I'd like to see everybody tested,'' Peterson
said.

Courts have previously upheld the right of schools to test students
involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, for drug
use. Peterson's plan would give individual schools wide discretion in
random testing of all high school students by a doctor or other
medical review officer.

Drug test results would only be shared with parents and school
officials -- and would not be turned over to police or law enforcement
authorities, Peterson said.

The president of the national Parent-Teacher Association said any drug
testing programs would have to involve strong parent involvement to
avoid opposition.

''We have very strong beliefs that parents need to be involved and
that students' privacy need to be protected,' said National PTA
President Linda Hodge.