RULING VINDICATES BACKERS OF SCHOOL DRUG TESTS

The Supreme Court's decision on random drug testing in public schools
vindicates what supporters of the strategy have been advocating for several
years. The majority opinion concluded that testing was "entirely
reasonable" given the "nationwide epidemic of drug use" by school-age children.

Indeed, an annual study on alcohol and other drug abuse issues released two
months ago by the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Louisiana
Highway Safety Commission reported that 78 percent of New Orleanians found
addiction to be our area's biggest health problem. Last year's study
reported that over 80 percent in our area favor drug testing in public and
private schools.

Unfortunately, what could have been an opportunity for the Orleans Parish
School System to set the standard for such testing was lost this past year.
Although heavily supported by student leaders, parents and administrators
of Carver and Douglass high schools, the program was scrapped. However, the
Jefferson Parish school district was not so reluctant. This fall Jefferson
schools will join a growing number of local private schools, including two
new additions in Cabrini and Redeemer-Seton, in taking this proactive approach.

As a resident of Orleans Parish, I was disappointed that Orleans rejected a
strategy that had great promise. However, I am encouraged that board
members like Jimmy Fahrenholtz are open to seeing it revised.

Drug abuse permeates our society. Using all the measures we have can make a
difference. Thankfully, the Supreme Court decision just made it a lot
easier to do the right thing.

John D. King

Executive Director

Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

New Orleans