DRUG DOGS CREATE MISTRUST IN SCHOOLS

Although the use of drug-sniffing dogs at two Maui schools has led to
the recent discovery of drugs and alcohol (Star-Bulletin, June 10),
expanding this program would not be as beneficial for students as
administrators expect. More searches would not only be incredibly
expensive, they would also further alienate students who really need help.

Karen Knudsen, chairwoman of the school board, believes that since
student safety takes priority over funding, implementing this
procedure is well worth the expense. But do drug-sniffing dogs really
make students safer? Those who enforce this policy are simply
labeling all students as potential "drug users" or "drug dealers,"
erecting a barrier of mistrust between teens and teachers.

Instead, the administrators should direct funding to more worthwhile
programs like drug counseling and addiction treatment for those in need.

Rachel M. Awkward

Intern, Students for Sensible Drug Policy Washington, D.C.