DRUG TESTING MAKES STUDENTS CHOOSE

Re: An Erosion of Rights, July 1.

The recent Supreme Court decision allowing random drug testing of
school students who participate in extracurricular school activities
is seen by some as eroding further our constitutional rights.
Nevertheless, the decision comes at a time when we must balance those
rights against the important interests of ensuring that students in
public schools receive their education free of the influence of
illegal drugs. Education is not a fundamental right, and as long as
the government is paying the bill for public schools, the government
has the right to set the rules. After all, students are free to attend
private schools if they wish.

Many employees now are subject to random drug tests, even where their
job is not of a critical nature. These employees have the choice to
work or use illicit drugs. Given the importance of providing for food
and shelter, it's not hard to make that choice rationally. Similarly,
while playing chess or singing in the school choir are not activities
where one will generally suffer from being under the influence, except
possibly to corner your king or sing out of tune, the new policy will
force school kids to make a choice -- drugs or drama class. After all,
these kids will soon face the prospect of making that same choice
after they finish school -- the choice of drugs or a job. What can be
wrong with teaching that important lesson earlier rather than later?

Drug use among high school students has increased dramatically in the
past few years. There is no more important goal than to decrease this
trend. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's concern that the policy will
prevent students from otherwise participating in the extracurricular
activities completely misses the point. Students will prevent
themselves from doing so by using drugs. Quite simply, it's their choice.

ROBERT PATTON JR., M.D. J.D.
Clearwater