A MAJOR VICTORY

The Supreme Court approved random drug tests for many public high school
students [June 27], ruling that schools' interest in ridding their campuses
of drugs outweighs an individual's right to privacy.

The 5-4 decision would allow the broadest drug testing the court has yet
permitted for young people whom authorities have no particular reason to
suspect of wrongdoing. It applies to students who join competitive
after-school activities or teams, a category that includes many if not most
middle school and high school students. Previously these tests had been
allowed only for student athletes. This is a major victory, and we have no
doubt that student drug testing will save thousands of young people from
becoming school dropouts, a life of addiction, crime or death from overdose
or accident. This decision gives schools a tool to truly be safe havens
where children can learn.

Ginger Katz

Norwalk