SCHOOL DRUG TESTS PASS SUPREME TEST - AGAIN

For the second time since 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right
of school districts to administer drug tests to students participating in
extracurricular activities, and therefore address the welfare of the school
and the student body rather than some misperceived right to privacy.

The court ruled 5-4 June 27 that schools can administer drug tests to
students in competitive after-school activities, broadening its previous
ruling that applied only to student-athletes.

We hope this finally clears the air in the Panhandle, where school
districts in Tulia and Lockney have been on the forefront of a national debate.

School districts have a responsibility to provide a safe environment, and
this includes for students who participate in football or the French Club.
As far as athletics, schools should provide a level playing field void of
the unfair advantage of certain drugs.

The opportunity for students to participate in these activities is just
that - an opportunity, not a right. A drug test is no more a rights
infringement than Texas' no-pass, no-play rule. A drug test is not a
condemnation of the student body, but a method to address a problem that
could have devastating consequences.

Students are required to have updated vaccination records.

Why should an issue that could affect their very lives be prohibited
because of a mistaken constitutional concern that has twice been declared
invalid in the past seven years?