A MONUMENTAL DECISION

Our View

In a narrow 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the
Tecumseh School Board and its drug testing policy. This ruling is
monumental and far-reaching and could impact several million students
involved in extracurricular and athletic activities.

The ruling, handed down Thursday, expands a 1995 decision by the court that
allowed random testing of student athletes. The most recent decision will
permit schools to randomly test students not only involved in athletics,
but also those involved in a variety of extracurricular activities ranging
from academic bowl teams, to band programs to cheerleading and others.

The court, in its ruling this week, stopped short, however, of allowing
random testing for any student, regardless of whether or not that student
is involved in extracurricular activities. Several justices reportedly have
indicated they would like the opportunity to address that issue as well.

The court was heavily divided on this drug testing issue as the 5-4 vote
would indicate. If even one of the justices had voted differently the
decision would have a completely different impact.

This had to be a difficult ruling for the Supreme Court justices. It was
equally, or possibly more, so for the Tecumseh School Board to make when it
first began defending its policy and the ultimate decision to take it to
the highest court in the land.

Some of those who oppose this decision probably will support some of the
statements from the dissenting Supreme Court justices who labeled it
unreasonable, capricious and even perverse.

However, schools around the country face difficulties today in dealing with
students who use and sell illegal drugs. Whether a high percentage of those
involved with drugs participate in athletics and extracurricular activities
may be unknown.

Our guess would be there are some, but there is probably less drug use
among these student groups than those who are not involved in athletics and
extracurricular activities.

Still, the students who participate in these are expected to uphold a
certain standard as they represent a school district.

We support Thursday's ruling handed down by the court. It won't be popular
in the face of many, especially those who have a tendency to buy, sell and
use illegal drugs.

But, this monumental decision by the court could have a dramatic impact on
assisting school districts throughout the nation as they deal with drug
usage. School administrators need all the tools they can to confront these
problems and we hope they utilize this decision that enhances their
capabilities to do so but with proper restraint.