STUDENT DRUG TESTING WOULD DO MORE HARM

In her State of the State address, Gov. Lingle suggested random drug testing
in public schools. This idea is ridiculous. The money and time spent on
doing these tests could be used on better things, such as improving our
public school system.

What students do at home is their business. We don't question teachers and
administration about their personal lives. We understand the risks and
long-term disadvantages of drug use.

Lingle also mentioned that the parents can refuse the testing of their
child. Well, if some parents are curious to know if their child is doing
drugs, it isn't up to the state or school to do the testing for them.
Whether it is enforced in school or not, students will continue to do drugs.

I know they will pick on the Special Motivation program in our school. We
are already not wanted on campus; we are the stereotypes of the "troubled"
students. Students in our program would be the targets.

I would volunteer to take the test. I don't do drugs. I have nothing to
worry about in this case. I just think it's a waste of time and money and
that it would do more harm than good.

Heather Boyd, Student

Moanalua High School