POLL-TAKERS IN FAVOR OF SCHOOL DRUG TESTS

A majority of those responding to a Bristol Herald Courier online poll
agreed with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling about drug testing in
schools -- and many of them said they wish the ruling had gone further.
Last week's question asked about the court's ruling that school officials
may conduct random drug tests on students who participate in
extracurricular activities.

The poll asked if respondents agree or disagree with the ruling and the
court's reasoning that "the community's right to rid schools of drugs
outweighs students privacy rights."

A total of 1,273 people responded with 860 -- 67.5 percent -- agreeing,
while 379 -- 29.7 percent -- disagreed. Less than 1 percent -- 11 --
registered no opinion.

The poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet
users who chose to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent
the opinions of Internet users in general, or the public as a whole.

"If business and industry have mandatory and random drug testing then high
schools should also have random drug testing," poll respondent Cindy Cox
wrote. "Welcome to the real world. Business and industry want to reduce
employee injuries and sick leave and want the best quality work possible.
So why should we not the expect the same from our students?"

Many who agreed with the ruling, like Cox, wrote that all students should
be subject to the testing.

"So as not to discriminate, this should be for all students. Random drug
testing stands to improve the school as a whole," Cox wrote.

Respondent Shannon McGlothlin disagreed with the ruling for much the same
reason.

"Only testing students involved in extracurricular activities is foolish,
nonproductive and discriminatory. Those most likely doing drugs are not the
ones participating in sports, band, etc. Drug users are most likely the
ones not participating in outside activities," McGlothlin wrote.

Respondent Gary Vance wrote that he supports testing as a deterrent.
"Starting with school testing will only help deter drug usage and make kids
realize that it's not only wrong, illegal and dangerous to themselves, but
to those who participate in those activities with them," Vance wrote.

He also asked why teachers, coaches and other educators aren't held to the
same standards.

"Drug testing is needed, but do not single out certain groups. Have the
same rules for all students," respondent Jim Martin wrote.

Respondent Melanie Yates wrote that she favors testing "where there is good
reason for suspicion" and that certain groups of students shouldn't be
singled out.

Not everyone favored the ruling, but the overwhelming majority of comments
came from supporters.

"Random drug testing -- how pointedly un-American," respondent John
Sebastian wrote. "None dare call it facism."

"Those who would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserve
neither liberty nor safety, and will lose both," Bob Merkin wrote.