SCHOOL DRUG SEARCHES

Oconee County School Drug Searches Raise Concerns

I am a bit concerned about the recent "drug sweep" in Oconee County. I am
against drugs and believe that those who use them ought to be prosecuted.
But what stops a student or even faculty member from hiding their dope in
or under a vehicle belonging to another student and then retrieving it at
the end of each day? Will the innocent remain innocent until proven guilty?
How would the innocent student "prove" he is innocent if the dope was found
in or under his or her vehicle? We used to be innocent until proven guilty,
now it seems we are shifting to guilty, even if proven innocent.

Gene LaValley, Winterville

Drug Searches Are Useless Unless Alcohol, Tobacco Are Also Targets

I wonder if the RAID Corp. trains its dogs to sniff out alcohol and
tobacco, both illegal substances for students in high school. It is time we
recognize that if the concept holds any weight at all, then the true
"gateway" drugs are underage alcohol and tobacco use. I also wonder if a
high school student found in possession of, but not intoxicated by tobacco
or alcohol would face a mandatory suspension and disciplinary tribunal.
Perhaps removing a student from school and thus the support network of
teachers and counselors is not the best course of action when a teen-ager
is found in possession of any type of drug.

Brett Ginsburg, Atlanta