TESTING OK, PARENTS BETTER

I have been curiously watching the debate going on in the community
concerning the Conway School District's possible drug-testing policy.

As a recent graduate, my opinion takes a form with arguments from both
sides of the debate. Overall, I have absolutely no problem with the policy
that the district is considering implementing, nor would I have any problem
being randomly tested, and here is why.

None of us have any disagreement that Conway's schools are a public,
tax-funded institution and require each student to have an equal
opportunity to learn and become a well-rounded individual. In addition,
every student is entitled to a safe and friendly environment.

However, when illegal substances infiltrate the environment, it becomes a
threat to all those who come in contact with it, and the educational
environment no longer is safe. When that happens, it becomes a violation of
my personal rights.

Also, in relation to personal rights, several have argues over the issue of
and how their child should not have to submit to such a test, as they
consider it a violation of privacy. In case you are unaware, many major
corporations, and even some smaller ones, now require a drug test before
they will hire the applicant. No amount of petitioning or debating is going
to dissuade potential employers from taking steps to make sure they are
hiring a healthy employee.

Each of us have the right to privacy, as well as having the right to a
non-threatening environment. Regardless of the opinions on legalization of
these substances, the government has labeled them as illegal, and when
something illegal comes into the equation, it has the potential to harm
anyone around it. It is at this point that it becomes a threat to my
well-being.

In regards to the students that will be tested, it has been mentioned in
both arguments that students who are not involved in any activities are,
generally, at a higher risk for drug usage. While this may be true, the
majority of the students that I knew that had problems with drug usage were
involved in athletics and other after-school activities.

I do not know how much the testing policy will correct the drug-usage
problem. I do know, however, that they only thing that is going to
permanently fix this predicament is more parental involvement in their
student's life.

If you are not involved in what is going on with your teenager, just ask
them about what is taking place in their life. There are many times that
they will tell you if they see that you are interested in listening.

And sometimes, that is what it takes to be still and listen.