STUDENT DRUG TESTING

David Young's letter (4/1, "Drug use in schools") was definitely
printed on the right day. It is foolish to believe that random student
drug testing will decrease drug use by students. In fact, the opposite
is probably true. It will probably lead to them doing more, and more
dangerous drugs.

Students who don't want to be tested or do use drugs will stop
participating in after-school activities to avoid the testing. This
will give them lots of free time after school for getting into trouble.

Those who do want to participate and yet still get high can switch
from marijuana, which is detectable for up to a month, to more
dangerous drugs, like meth, which are only detectable for a few days.
They might also use prescription drugs, which are not detected on a
standard drug test.

The way to reduce student drug use is not random drug testing,
constantly telling them we don't trust them. We must earn their trust,
be honest with them and get them to stay in activities that keep them
away from drugs.

Check out www.drugpolicyalliance.org for lots of info about this and
other problems with the so-called "war on drugs."

Matthew Brown

Ionia, Mo.