YES TO DRUG TESTS

Your July 6 editorial "No logic in school drug test" ignores the deadly
drug epidemic and the health and safety of children. As a drug prevention
professional and expert on drug testing, I know that it is an excellent
tool for detecting and deterring drug use. The Supreme Court ruling
supporting student drug testing is a boost for young people.

Your whining about lack of "substantial evidence of a problem" reminds me
of a Texas community in the 1980s that implemented workplace drug testing.
Community leaders didn't believe there was a problem. They were simply
complying with contract obligations. A few months of random testing
established that 38 percent of workers were abusing drugs. One normally
does not know whether the problem exists until testing detects it or
someone is killed or injured.

You cite invasion of privacy as a reason not to use this valuable tool.
Privacy in public schools? Anyone who has taken a shower after gym class
knows better.

I hope parents and teachers encourage districts to tap federal funds
available through the No Child Left Behind Act to implement drug testing in
all schools.

Calvina L. Fay, St. Petersburg, Fla.