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STUDENT DRUG TESTING PROGRAMS
In June 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court broadened the authority of public schools to test students for illegal drugs. Voting 5 to 4, the Court ruled to allow random drug tests for all middle and high school students participating in competitive extracurricular activities. The ruling greatly expands the scope of school drug testing, which previously had been allowed only for student athletes.
Already, testing has been shown to be extremely effective at reducing drug use in schools and businesses all over the country. As a deterrent, few methods work better or deliver clearer results. Drug testing of airline pilots and school bus drivers, for example, has made the skies and roads safer for trave1.
Parents, educators – indeed, anyone concerned about the welfare of our young people – should welcome the High Court’s action. It’s a big step in the right direction, for it gives every school in every city and every town a powerful new tool for controlling one of the worst threats facing kids today.
The aim of drug testing in not to trap and punish students who use drugs. It is, in fact, counterproductive simply to punish them with out trying to alter their behavior. The purpose of testing is to prevent drug dependence and to help drug-dependent students become drug free.
For those who worry about the “Big Brother” dimension of drug testing, it is worth pointing out that test results are generally required by law to remain confidential, and in no case are they turned over to the police.2
FirstLab can assist you in conducting an assessment of your school’s need and ensure that a substance abuse testing program is tailored to meet your individual objectives. Additionally, we can provide expert consultation to guide you through the many scientific, technical, and legal complexities of the testing process. We offer the flexibility of partnering with your internal staff for providing complete program management.
For the complete Firstlab Report on Student Drug Testing click on the PDF file below.
1John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy, “What you need to know about Drug Testing in Schools.” August 29, 2002
2“What you need to know about Drug Testing in Schools.” August 29, 2002
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