Binky
05-24-2005, 11:37 AM
Random School Drug Tests No Answer
A proposal from Lt. Gov. Kerry M. Healey to institute random drug testing in the public schools is misguided and perhaps illegal.
The plan, part of a $9.1 million antidrug package, calls for testing students during the regular school day, provided their parents give permission for the tests.
Indeed, the rate of substance abuse by Massachusetts teenagers is among the highest in the country.
However, to require students to take random drug tests, without cause, could only lead to greater suspicion and anger by the students toward school staff and parents, further harming communications between young people and adults.
The plan also would be costly: about $20,000 per school for the testing and another $80,000 per school for substance abuse counseling.
Although the program is voluntary for schools, the reaction of local school officials has been mixed, perhaps because similar programs in other states have had inclusive results, at best.
The plan also adds another layer of responsibility on schools and their staffs, which already are burdened with many issues that more properly should be handled in the home or by support services available to families.
And parents currently have confidential resources available to them to deal with children who may be abusing drugs and/or alcohol: the school nurse and guidance counselors, the family doctor and local health clinics.
Ms. Healey's proposal raises serious legal questions, especially regarding privacy and unwarranted searches and seizures.
Clearly, the money could be better spent on prevention, treatment and after-school programs, all proven to be effective drug deterrents.
2005 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact: letters@telegram.com
Website: http://www.telegram.com/
A proposal from Lt. Gov. Kerry M. Healey to institute random drug testing in the public schools is misguided and perhaps illegal.
The plan, part of a $9.1 million antidrug package, calls for testing students during the regular school day, provided their parents give permission for the tests.
Indeed, the rate of substance abuse by Massachusetts teenagers is among the highest in the country.
However, to require students to take random drug tests, without cause, could only lead to greater suspicion and anger by the students toward school staff and parents, further harming communications between young people and adults.
The plan also would be costly: about $20,000 per school for the testing and another $80,000 per school for substance abuse counseling.
Although the program is voluntary for schools, the reaction of local school officials has been mixed, perhaps because similar programs in other states have had inclusive results, at best.
The plan also adds another layer of responsibility on schools and their staffs, which already are burdened with many issues that more properly should be handled in the home or by support services available to families.
And parents currently have confidential resources available to them to deal with children who may be abusing drugs and/or alcohol: the school nurse and guidance counselors, the family doctor and local health clinics.
Ms. Healey's proposal raises serious legal questions, especially regarding privacy and unwarranted searches and seizures.
Clearly, the money could be better spent on prevention, treatment and after-school programs, all proven to be effective drug deterrents.
2005 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact: letters@telegram.com
Website: http://www.telegram.com/