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DEL.ICIO.USRandom drug testing in Fayette schools — A real deterrent?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Fayette County school system is considering a random drug testing program for high school students involved in extracurricular activities.
Who would be tested? Student athletes as well as members of 4-H, student council, the drama club, etc. The goal of the program, according to Assistant Superintendent Sam Sweat, would be to give students a reason to say “No” that their peers will accept.
In similar programs already established in Upson and Douglas counties, a predetermined number of students are randomly selected by an independent company’s computer each month for testing by mouth swabs or urine samples. The first time a student tests positive, the student is required to attend counseling with his or her parents. A second positive test incurs a suspension from a team activity for 30 days. A third positive test results in suspension from all extracurricular activities for the entire school year. No law enforcement officials are involved.
The Fayette school system is still exploring the idea, but Sweat said he thinks it’s time for the community to consider it, given the increasing number of local teenagers involved with drugs and alcohol.
Do you agree with that idea? Do you think the program would deter students from using drugs and alcohol? How would you feel about your child being tested?
Permalink | Comments (10) | Categories: Donna Soper
Comments
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By Robert Smoothie
February 6, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Yes, good Idea. Anyone complaining about it obviously has something to hide. Students would not want to do drugs if it meant they couldn’t be in the Knitting club. :(
Robby
By Steve
February 6, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
“something to hide” - bullhockey. Its about constitutionally guaranteed rights. The fact you can get some right wing looney judge to agree with your opinion is irrelevant. Try actually reading it - the constitution does not say you secure in your person from unreasonable search or seizure unless you happen to park on a school parking lot or participate in after school activities. It says you are to be guaranteed secure in you person from unreasonable search or seizure. Period. End of sentence. Period. If you have a problem or issue with drugs that your kid is taking, then that is between you and your child - you deal with it - do not try to get the power of the federal government to enforce your opinion on drugs.
By Lee Wharton
February 7, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
I don’t think our tax dollars need to be paying for parental responsabilities. I say start with making kid’s wear clothes that actually fit them.
By LMW
February 7, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Mr Sweat, how do you plan on funding these drug test?
By areader
February 7, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Kids don’t really have rights, do they. I mean, the police can bring in a dog to sniff for drugs at school, right?
By Randy
February 7, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Like many companies who require a drug test prior to and sometimes during employment, schhols have a right to administer drug tests to students. No child needs to be hooked on drugs, and anything that can be done to fix or prevent this terrible situation should be fully supported by everyone. Bold step, great idea, get started ASAP.
By Dave
February 9, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
Test them all !!!
By Dave
February 9, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this
Most parents would be surprised at their childs drug activity. This would be an eye opener to alot of people.
By Jennifer
February 9, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Five years ago our private school debated and implemented mandatory drug testing. My oldest was 12 at the time and I was dead set against it for all the constitutional and family problem agruments.
I was wrong. Since that time both of my children have confided that they were able to use the “I can’t because we drug test excuse” when peer pressured to try drugs.
Drug testing does not completely eliminate drugs from your school but it significantly reduces them and it offers young teenagers the “out” they need when confronted with drugs.
Even parents whose children have been identified support the program as it gives them a chance to stop drug use before it becomes drug abuse.
By hevad
February 19, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Yes, random drug testing is a necessity to keep our children safe, but it should be the teachers that are tested, not just the kids. The teachers are far more of a danger to our children than the kids themselves.