STUDENTS ATTENDING COUNCIL OPPOSE RANDOM DRUG TESTING

Montana high school and middle school student leaders decided Tuesday
to oppose random drug testing.

The 900 students attending the Montana Association of Student Councils
convention here adopted a resolution "staunchly opposed to drug use in
our schools" but equally opposed to any random drug-testing program in
schools.

The students said testing of students in athletics and other
extracurricular activities could deter some students from taking part
in positive activities.

They also passed a resolution against community service as a
requirement for graduation.

And the students urged school districts to offer students nutritious
food and beverage choices, including equal amounts of healthy and
"unhealthy" food in vending machines, lunches and concessions.

The drug testing issue prompted both passionate and humorous
debate.

Cut Bank senior Nacole Light argued in favor of random drug
testing.

"You go to school and expect to be in a safe environment, but it's no
longer safe when students go to school high," she said. "There should
be random drug testing for all students and staff, including the math
teacher down the hall who gives you too much homework."

Lewistown student Dan Boyce argued against drug testing, saying it
would be "prejudicial" to just make athletes take such tests.

"Drug use is epidemic and there is no excuse for using it," he said.
"But opposing drug testing on privacy grounds is not the same as being
for cocaine."