STATE SHOULD JUST SAY NO TO DRUG TESTING

Regarding the Jan. 17 story by Catherine Toth, "Student drug tests
debated": The state Legislature should disregard any proposal to institute
drug testing in Hawai'i's public schools.

Drug testing is counterproductive, costly and ineffective. It acts as a
deterrent to participation in extracurricular activities and sports, the
very activities that have been shown to prevent young people from using
drugs. Young people are most likely to use drugs between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.,
the hours of the day when extracurricular activities and athletics take place.

Drug testing also costs money. Hawai'i is facing a severe budget crisis, so
it is important that the state avoid implementing drug testing programs
that are expensive and ineffective. Instead, the state should encourage
schools and teachers to cultivate open and trusting relationships with
young people so that those young people feel comfortable talking about
their concerns, including drug use.

There is a growing movement around the country of parents, caregivers and
educators to stop drug testing in schools and to promote safer and more
effective alternative drug education and prevention programs. To learn more
about this campaign, visit http://www.drugtestingfails.org.

Alexandra Cox

Drug Policy Alliance

Oakland, Calif.