DRUG TESTING FAILS STUDENTS

Drug testing in schools seems like a sound idea, but ultimately it will
cause more harm and damage to otherwise decent students than it is worth
("Random testing no way to curb student drug use," @issue, May 29).

The outcome of drug testing will have the same effect as the "zero
tolerance" policies. For every derelict, drug-using student who is expelled
from school because of drug testing, there will be 10 others who are
otherwise decent students with bright futures who are expelled as well. A
little ill-advised partying from time to time, which should not be
condoned, will nevertheless brand you as a societal misfit under the guise
of equal treatment.

We're like a cat chasing its tail when it comes to solving problems in the
public schools. Rather than identifying the problems and facing them
head-on for the overall well-being of our school system, we choose yet
another program, regulation or policy, which usually results in further
degradation and turmoil. And then we have the costs.

TERRY M. ADAMS, Cumming