SUNDAY SOAPBOX: SHOULD STUDENTS BE TESTED FOR DRUGS?

Sunday on the Viewpoint page, we will publish the Scripps Howard Principles
and Policies. It is an editorial statement approved by the editors and
executives of Scripps Howard newspapers, and it serves as a guide for those
newspapers in deliberating editorial policy.

The statement addresses a wide range of issues, including environment,
education, the economy, and agriculture.

As a Sunday Soapbox project, we ask you to read these Principles and
Policies and offer your reactions during the coming week. Send us your
letters by Wednesday, and we will publish the letters on April 7.

April 14 the Sunday Soapbox subject will be drug testing in schools. In
early March, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that schools may perform drug
tests on students participating in athletics and in some extracurricular
activities, even if the students are not suspected of using drugs.

The case arose from the Northwestern School Corp. near Kokomo, Ind. The
district's drug policy applies to students in grades seven through 12, and
says those wishing to participate in athletics or certain extracurricular
activities or who drive to school must agree to submit to random drug testing.

A similar case from Oklahoma was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in
this month. A ruling is expected this summer. Is this a violation of
constitutional rights? Should the policy be applied to all students, not
just some? Letters on drug testing should be submitted by April 9. You have
the best opportunity of having your letter published if you keep it at 250
words or less.

Sign your letter, and include a daytime phone number. Send it by mail to
Letters, the Evansville Courier & Press, P.O. Box 268, Evansville, Ind.
47702. Send it by e-mail to letters@evansville.net or by fax to 422-8196.