STUDENTS' REACTION TO DRUG TESTS: SOME SAY IT'S FAIR, OTHERS UNSURE

South Florida students were divided over Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court
decision to expand random drug testing at public schools, with reactions
ranging from agreement to outrage.

"As long as you get good grades, and it doesn't have an effect on your
after-school activities, it's none of the school's business," said
Stranahan High School graduate John Alvarez.

Previously only athletes were subject to random drug tests . Under the
ruling schools can require drug tests for students in any activity, such as
band or the debate team.

Candase Gregg, a senior at Blanche Ely High in Pompano Beach, said it's
only fair.

"Athletes aren't the only ones doing drugs out there," said Gregg, who
participates in Student Council and the National Honor Society.

According to the ruling, students who participate in after-school
activities should expect to have less privacy than those who do not.

Bryan Candelaria, a senior at Coral Reef High School in Miami, agreed.

"I personally think [the ruling] is great," said Candelaria, 17. "When you
represent your school, you need to project a clean image."

Not everyone believes that drug testing will be effective.

Jesse Perez, a senior at Plantation High, called the measures "ridiculous."

"It's not going to solve anything," Perez said.

Justin Wetherington, a sophomore at Fort Lauderdale High, noted that drug
testing in high school may prevent problems at later stages in life,
particularly in athletes.

"Look at the steroid scandal going on now in baseball," said Wetherington,
an honors student and baseball player. "If they would've been tested in
high school, we might not have had this problem."

Lauren Schwartz, a recent graduate of Olympic Heights High in Boca Raton
doubts the ruling will control drug use.

"Students heavily into drugs don't participate in after-school activities
much, they're more into themselves," she said.