Random Drug Testing and the 4th Amendment
76 Comments Published by clay September 27th, 2007 in State and Local Politics.The
The test results would remain private and the school would not punish students who test positive. Instead, they would be encouraged to participate in assistance programs. If the district adopts a policy, individual high schools and middle schools would determine whether to implement a program based on discussions among the principal, teachers, parents and students.
Proponents said allowing parents to volunteer their children for testing provides an important tool for ensuring their children stay clear of dangerous drugs. It encourages discussion and shows that parents care.
But just as many critics spoke out, saying it’s an unproven method that could bring fear and suspicion into the school environment and could do more harm than good.
“This is a very heated topic, not just here but throughout the nation,” said Bill Beacham, executive director of the Center for Drug-Free Communities.
More Info on the 4th Amendment and Searches
Education Law–Student Searches & Drug Testing
Do you agree with implementing random testing at public-schools? Why or why not? What do you suggest schools with regards to students using drugs?
Random drug testing is an effective way to catch students consuming drugs. However, the process specified in the above plan serves absolutely no purpose and may actually be detrimental to goal of drug abuse prevention. If you plan to force students to take random drug test, they will feel as if you are invading their privacy. Once you have invaded their privacy good luck trying to “encourage” them to stop drug use. This method is supposedly punishment free but the forced “encouragement” will seem as a minor punishment in itself. Students will not stop drug use and feel as if they can get away with it. If this program is implemented I believe there should be severe punishments associated with students found to be consuming drugs. If the punishment is great enough, students will fear random drug test and will be greatly discouraged to take part in the consumption of drugs. For example, if a dog playfully jumps on you and you yell at the dog “No!” most likely the dog will do it again however, if you inflict a more severe punishment on the dog such as locking it up or hitting it with a new paper it will be much less likely to jump on you again. Students will respond the same way to punishments associated with testing positive for drugs. If handled correctly random drug testing could be an effective form of drug prevention but we must make sure to convey the right message that “Drugs are bad period!” not “well… you really shouldn’t be doing that its bad for you”.
I’m not sure if implementing random drug tests at High Schools are the best solution. I hardly find there’s any other alternatives aside from having counseling outside the school, and even those are rarely effective. Only in the movies do counselors seem to give a damn and have those life changing outcomes. Or also, having to go to some kind of private session with a professional on your kind of abuse enforced by law.
Either mandatory or given by consent, I don’t know what you’ll have it be. I like the idea of it being a ‘private matter’ and the school not having any right to punishment, that’s probably the only upside to getting caught. I think kids shouldn’t do drugs but that doesn’t mean I’m going to go around prying their domestic situations and playing Dr. Phil. It’s none of my business and it isn’t the schools unless they come to school and present themself in that fashion. Then it’s their fault and it becomes the schools obligation to report it.
I guess I would go for the random test. People should know not to come to school that way. Sure its fun and easy to some but you’re taking a HUGE risk when you decide to. I’m not sure thought if its the most effective approach. There are ways around it, I’m sure -someone always finds a way. And even if its not you trying to skip it, I’m sure its your situation and you have your reasons.
Just play it safe kids, and don’t play with drugs that is, when its at school DUMBASS.
I think this is absurd. If there isn’t going to be some type of consequences or penalty or any other punishment what is the point in doing this? I mean honestly high school even Jr. high students know the consequences of using drugs, and they know what drugs can do to ones mind and ones body. You can tell someone all day, don’t do this don’t do that and they are still are going to do so. I look at like the forbidden fruit, if one is told not to do drugs its bad I mean of course they are going to do it.
Then not only will they do it but they are going to be tested and no action will be implemented, But going to awareness meetings. Honestly isn’t that the parents job to talk to their own children about drugs. I just think that this is all another way to make the educational system have more power and to play “mommy and daddy.” If anyone ever told me that they couldn’t tell if their children were on drugs I would really be worried. I mean you can tell in their behavior changes. Yes they are going through puberty but that’s when it comes to how well does one know their children.
The fourth Amendment clearly states that “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized” So what would be the schools reason? “ that students is laughing to much, we need for that child to take a drug test” I mean what has the world come to? I just feel that this whole thing will be taken out of context.
I personally wouldn’t encourage my mom to allow me to be tested, or anyone else in that matter. If someone’s child/ children are doing drugs it will come out unto the surface, maybe it will be to late, but it will come out, sooner or later, hopefully it is sooner but if not then as my granny use to say “where there is a will there is a way.” I personally don’t use drugs and I know that if I was acting suspicious in someone else’s eyes I would be tremendously offended that they wanted to do a drug test on me. Better yet I would be pissed. I just think that if we start doing drug test then it will evolve into more crazy things. So I strongly disagree. I hope this doesn’t happen.
Many schools in the city of Pasadena have a program called “D.A.R.E” which is a like an anti drug class, and they teach you about all the affects of using drugs. I also think that the whole every 30 seconds or whatever it was called was a great awareness. I know I cried and it really opened my eyes unto what really happens besides the couple of hours you feel good when someone does have a buzz. I think something like that should be provided at every school. I would join.
Although implementing randomn tests to public school students may seem like it shows concern to their well-being, I believe that it will only make the situation worse. It seems that parents these days are so wrapped up into being the best parents they can be, that they forget about the feelings of their own childeren, even thogh they may be doing bad things. By allowing random drug tests to volunteered students, this will cause a barrier to those students, in which most will be focused on getting over.
An example of this is how some parents say to their child not to go out with this one particular person. This in turn causes a type of “I want what I can’t have,” mentality. Of course their child will pursue after he or she wants, even if it’s at all costs. Not to mention that this invades much of that person’s privacy. I mean I would undersatnd if the person was failing to do well in school because of the drugs he or she is taking, but other that that, it’s none of the school’s business what the student does. It’s wrong to to random tests, even if the persons’ parents volunteer them
It might be more effective though if, like what Jasmine said, more schoold conducted the D.A.R.E program, or classes like drug awareness or social awareness. At least by taking these classes students will know what they are getting themselves into and the consequences it could leave in their lives.
Implementing random drug testing at public schools is a good idea to keep drugs off of the school premises but I don’t think that will change the student’s attitude about using drugs in general. Many parents may not agree, but are content with the fact that their children drink alcohol and do drugs such as marijuana and chronic so they really don’t become involved when their children get caught with the drugs. Also in some cases the own parents use or have used drugs so therefore they see no problem with it, think that their child is going through a phase that he or she will eventually get over and therefore they pay little or no attention to it. I have actually known some teenagers that bond with their parents by doing drugs such as smoking weed in the front lawn with their parents, uncles, and any other family members so when the schools call their house saying that their child was caught with drugs, it really isn’t a big deal to them.
Drug addictions are very serious problems that will affect the person if they are not dealt with properly. So yes, when the school does the drug testing its because they care about the future of their students. It isn’t the school’s responsibility to know which student do drugs or not because regardless if the students do drugs or not, as long as they attend school, the faculty still gets paid. So its not necessarily to have to do the drug test, but its still voluntarily done even with all the hassle it causes. The home and environment is a major issue when a child gets caught with drugs. For example when students get caught with a certain drugs in the school premises, and they know their parents really aren’t concerned they don’t think, “Maybe I should stop using drugs”..Most likely they will think “I should stop bringing my drugs to school” or “I should top attending school” depending on the toile that drugs has on their life. they will do it because they aren’t allowed and don’t know any better.
What I think should be done is keep having the random drug testing and have all the students pass a certain drug class before graduating. For example how a required art class in needed to graduate from I-Poly, the same thing should be done but with a health/drug class. That way every student, drug user or not will know the consequences of using drugs and what they can get themselves into before they actually become involved with drugs. Because if the student just gets suspended or expelled, that’s like a slap on the wrist, they don’t necessarily learn any lesson from it an will continue doing drugs no matter what. The D.A.R.E program is good but since it is voluntary many people with drug problems will think its a waste of time and not attend the program because to them it will be “lame” so it will be blown off but if the class is necessary to graduate, the student will be forced to have some sort of knowledge before they graduate.
The Fourth Amendment: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Note the words “probable cause.” There’s no probable cause AT ALL in random searches. That should make it automatically unconstitutional. Simple. I see no reason for it to go beyond that.
That aside, what kind of parent would sign their kid up for this crap? If you’re okay with schools testing your kids, you obviously think they’re on drugs but aren’t willing to confront them about it. All I can say is, “GROW A PAIR!”
Schools should simply tell kids what drugs will do to them. None of this stupid, Mr Mackey-style “Drugs are bad, m’kay” BS, but rather just honestly tell kids what drugs do. When kids still do drugs, oh hell. You can’t protect people from themselves.
The Fourth Amendment states “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
These random drug tests are unconstitutional and an invasion of an individual’s privacy. If someone is stupid enough to do drugs in the first place, that is their own fault.
Plus, doesn’t this all seem a bit contradictory. All of the public high schools I know of are drug free zones and have a zero-tolerance policy. So if the school administers these random drug tests and it turns out that they have students who do drugs, wouldn’t the school be suspicious of drug use on the campus? The original statements are claiming that there will be no consequences, only encouragement. No way!
Furthermore, (I’m agreeing with Laffin here) if you are a parent and find it necessary to have you child’s school administer a drug test to them, you obviously have your own suspicions. Well as a parent it is YOUR duty to confront your child about it! The schools are there to educate, so have them educate students about the affects of drugs and leave the random drug tests to the suspicious parents.
I think that having parents volunteer their children for drug testing and additional information concerning the topic is a good way to keep them informed about the consequences that might occur. Yes, it may be a more effective way in catching those who are doing drugs, but that won’t neccessarily make them stop. If you slap someone on the hand and tell them to stop, it doesn’t mean they will.
If my parents volunteered me to take a drug test, what’s the first thing that will come to mind? That they think I’m taking drugs.
If this does happen, eventually, these random drug test will instill fear in the students because if someone does test positive, they won’t just be “encouraged”. Whether it be the school, the parents, or whoever, they WILL be punished somehow; and they know that.
It’s one thing to care about the well being of the students in the school to ensure a better future for them, and it’s another to invade their privacy and make them scarred to go ask for help/advice when they need it. If they know that there are students in the school who are drug users, it isn’t any of their business to find out who. If they really wanted to help, they could have certain programs/electives for drug (and even alchohol) awareness such as S.T.A.R., D.A.R.E.,M.A.D.D., etc.
This way, instead of going to them and telling them what to think and do, they go and see what it’s really all about for themselves.
I think random drug testing is a complete intrusion of privacy among minors. I dont see the point in drug testing students, if they dont have bad grades or any discipline problems then I dont see why people would need to drug testing them. If a student is showing problems that could be related to drugs the school can notify parents about drug test options but I think that the decision to drug test kids is the parents not the schools.I would like to add that schools dont have any money to spend on drug tests.
This country was based upon the principles that are found in the Constitution. The 4th Amendment states: “The right of the people to be securein their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” By doing these random drug testsit violates this amendment. Just because I am a teenager it’s not probable cause to test me. I do not agree with these random tests. Not only does this invade someone’s privacy, but it also doesn’t seem very effective. I mean think about it. You give a kid a drug test and when they test positive you let them go on with their day? That’s what you call a consequence for using drugs on a high school campus? Then it says that they “encourage” the student to get help. Do you really think that will help?
I have to agree with Jasmine that there should be some kind of program like D.A.R.E or other anti-drug programs that truely relate to teens who do drugs. I think that would get the point across better than by going to counseling or something similar to that. There are better alternatives than giving drug tests. At least these programs would be more constitutional!
I personally do not agree with this because it is an invasion of privacy. First of all, Having parents children volunteer their children to drug testing is not very likely to happen. Second of all,The Fourth Amendment states “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” (clear point)
Many high Schools have no drug tolerance so would they just have to advice students to join a special program. I really do not think that D.A.R.E will help much because drug addiction is a seriuous problem. Almost all public High schools have problems with drugs and it would make districts seem way too ovbious of the huge problem they have. There are many consquences to drug use so there should actually be classes for parenting because most parents are loosing control of their kids.
I think that there should be drug tests to help get out the drug addicts who are only at school to hang out or do drugs. There should be some action against those who test positive to drugs. If you are going to try to stop kids from doing drugs you have to show them the consequences so that they know what horrible things will happen if they continue to do drugs.
i really don’t think schools pushing for drug tests are the best thing for anyone. and if anyone should be doing the drug tests it should be the parents. the school is and should only be so responsible. one thing is a concerned teacher trying to help but the whole school trying to push drug tests. if the school find a kid on drugs they should do a any school would do, inform the parent and suggest them to administer weekly drug tests for the kid.
I think that the drug test would be very effective. I also think that this goes against the childs rights. I understand that the parents and teachers want to help these students, but you can’t force someone to recieve help. In the blog it said there would be “assistance programs”. These programs will most likely be forced onto the kids, by saying you can’t do this, or you can’t graduate if you don’t take this program and that isn’t fair. In stead of forcing a discision onto you should let them make their own choices. Even if you put the kids in these programs during summer or when they graduate and go on with there lives they will be more likely to use the drugs.
This goes against a childs rights and its just going to create more friction between parents and children. Parents need to inform there kids and trust their children, instead of forcing them to take test and enter programs. And even if the kids do use drugs in high school then maybe they will get it out of their system then. So when they become adults it’s more of a “been there done that”, feeling instead of a “man I never tryd crack before gosh I would like to try some”, type of feeling.
Random drug testing at school on my part is well, i wouldn’t want it. It would take time out of school and It would be an invasion of privacy to the students. What if they were just taking medication, and so they can just explain but it’s something that is no ones buisness. What they may be able to do: is the whole parent concern treatment. If a parent feels that their child is doing drugs then i can see that they can talk to the school and have them on a list so when this “random drug testing comes along”, it will only apply to those on the “list”.
this way the parents find out and can deal with it. As for punishment, i think the only ones who can take care of that are the parents, ,unless a student comes to school druged out or with drugs should it fall under the schools way of punishment. For parents doing the pupnishment i guess they can ask the school for suggestions but overall hopeful the parent should sustain the child from doing drugs. If they are, they will find ways of doing it, but if a parent is ontop if them all the time, cheeking, smelling, then maybe the child will do less or just stop. Encouinging those who are not doing drugs by having them go into a program is, well i don’t think it will go very far. A student will go into a program on there free will, intrest, or in force. I don’t think it should be encouaged, and if they are not doing drugs, well good for them, i think their reward lies in there life and what they do with it by being drug free. this at least leaves us with if a student is doing drugs, they can see how others that are not it, are doing something useful. Parents i think should step up for themselves and there child if they think they are doing drugs, not the school, so to add on maybe there should be a thing were the school talks to the parents about concerning themselves if there child is doing drugs. a lot of friction like taylor said can become of iinvading a students life and especially at school. we want our rihgts to be noticed at this age but also we know that an underage human, parents are the key in permishion and regards to what happens to us.
I believe that random drug tests would be great for schools. This idea would help put students in the right direction, POSSIBLY preventing future drug abuse. It is not certain that the counciling will affect the students in any way. You could talk to the kids about drug abuse all you want, but it’s never a sure thing that they’ll listen. The article above also states that it would bring fear and suspicion to schools. But, if you don’t do drugs, then there’s no real reason to be afraid of a drug test. .
I’m all for drug tests however, the downside to this idea is that it is unconstitutional and goes against the 4th amendment. That alone, in a way, brings down the whole idea. There is no point in doing this if it goes against the constitution.
Well i gotta say that i agree with this ‘random testing’ method. I mean now a days we have more things working against us than with us. We hope and pray and give teenagers the benefit of the doubt; yet the news tell us that we ain’t doing enough. Day by day we see more cases of overdose, or even possesion in school properties. With actually testing and throwing that fear fator with everything else we might have a greater chance to beat this.
I mean i also suggest offering other educational programs to our youth, yet those being offered is not enough.For example, when i was in 5th and 6th grade i was part of D.A.R.E. It’s a good educational program, but that i recall they never spoke about rehab. They taught about ‘saying no’ and ‘staying away from bullies’ but that was about it. High school is a time when we don’t hope that the teenagers are drug free, this is the time when we want proof that they are, and if not then we give them the help.
And i like the idea of parents volunteering their child, i grew up thinking parents know best. And if they suspect something they have the right to do something about it.
If you think about it no privacy rights are being violated, you lose your rights when you commit a crime. And if kids are doing drugs, getting caught is a risk they are willing to take. I mean trust me getting caught might be like the end of the world for them, but once they really capture the whole picture, they’ll be thankful.
i personally dont agree that the schools should give drug testing. in a way it would be okay, so that the teachers and staff to see if that student has been doing drugs. but really, it’s the parents responsibility to go and the testing on their own. sooner or latrer the parents and everyone else will b finding out about the drug problem that the student had. i also dont think that the teachers should be invading the students privacy. if they wanted to know if there was something wrong with the student, then they should talk to the parents and tell the parents. not for the teachers to take matters into their own hands. also doesnt he 4th amendment say that ‘The right of the people to be secure in their person’
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
that right there is the fourth ammendment (got it from wikipedia). while i have to admit i am touched that people care about me, this is definitely not the way to show it, it is one level below PDA’s (public displays of affection) in ridiculous-ness and seems to violate this ammendment. these serches (ok, so the word that is used is “test” big whoop-di-!@#$ing-doo, they are analogous) do not seem to be reasonable and can do more damage than good by people to fear getting tested because of the fact that they were doing drugs and cause them to ditch school to avoid the embarrassment being caught.
Even though the 4th Amendment states that the rights of a persons private life shall not be violated, it still is still somewhat of a privilege, meaning that even though the random test may be invading ones privacy the illegal substances should be taken up by police. If this idea is passed then the kids are going to have to make due, and if they need to be tested then they have to be tested whether they like it or not. Why do something and you know your going to get caught? I still don’t understand, why get yourself in trouble for no reason? And if Orange school district wants to pass this then it should be, because parents should know what is going on with their own children.
I suggest that if a student is seen with any types of symptoms of what the drugs cause then they should be tested, but if there is no sign of symptoms in a student then I don’t think they should be tested. But the only way you are going to find out if a kid is using drugs or selling them, is if you check them and their locker. I think that is what should be done to solve a very common problem, because kids maybe getting away with it and no one is noticing it. Matters like this should be taken care of immediately, and not be put second on the list of things to do for the school(s).
Well, testing students would be a good way to prevent kids from doing drugs, and it would also be a good way to get a kid to try doing drugs. When youre dealing with teenagers, we can be very rebelious. When you tell a teen that theyre not allowed to do something, the more likey that theyre going to do it. If drugs was a big problem at these schools, then yah, i could see how random drug testing would be a positive for this problem. But if drugs were not a problem, and now youre making the kids take random tests, then i would garuntee that now, drugs will be a problem. Like i said in my reply to the lowering the age for alcohol blog, the tighter you have someone on a leash, the more theyre going to try to get away. they more room you leave them, the less likely theyre going to fuss. I do have to say that a plus side to this random drug testing is that theyre using positive reinforcment. Instead punishing the kids, theyre counciling them. well, some would call this a punishment, so i guess its not really a harsh one then. Plus, when making all the kids, even the clean ones, take random drug tests, dont you think some one down the line, will get offended? i know i would, i would rebel and refuse to take the test because i know im clean. of couse it would only make me look guilty but there another reason why this is a bad idea. For the ones that really are complete druggies, you really dont need to screen them to tell that theyre on something. If they come to class stoned as hell, and they get caught, then they should suffer the consequences because it was their dumbass that got caugtht anyway. If they come to class stoned as hell and dont get caught, then it really is the schools fault for not seeing the utterly obvious use of drugs sitting right in front of them.
I agree with this idea of drug testing, however only with good reason. For exmaple if the stundent is struggling in school, acting strange, not attenting class regularly. In anyone of these cases i can see where the school would have just cause in drug testing a stundent. However i do not agree with the random testing of anyone or everyone in the school at any moment in time. Although i am pretty sure this is unconstitutional according to the 4th amendment, it might be in the best interest of those drug users, from here these drug users can be put into AA programs or counseling to help them to quit using drugs.
A random drug test in public schools is something I think shouldn’t happen. When I first saw this question, I had to sit back and think about the situation. My first reaction was “Yes, of course they should hold random drug tests. We need to help students not get into drugs.” Then I thought about it, and decided it’s something that should definitely NOT happen. It’s a violation of privacy. Yes as minors, we don’t have complete access to our rights. Our parents are accountable for us; therefore, they hold our rights such as privacy. If we hold random drug tests in schools, it will make some students feel insecure while at school. A student should be able to feel completely free and comfortable at school. Students spend more time at school than home; therefore, they need to be allowed to secure and comfortable. Putting in random drug tests could interfere with this comfort level. This violates the fourth amendment to a point. The schools have no proof that all of their students need to be searched for drugs. Not everyone who attends high school is doing drugs, so what’s the point of searching everyone. There should only be searches for those who are accused of holding drug possession.
If this drug test does occur, it’s a good thing that the students will not be punished. If they say no, it only attracts the deed more. However, the more you teach how drugs are bad; this doesn’t guarantee that the message will come across to everyone.
These random drug tests should not happen. For example if I was a student in high school, I personally would not feel comfortable knowing at any given time I could get a drug test. It feels uncomfortable, because it’s a complete violation of privacy. Knowingly that I have never shown any evidence that I do drugs yet still have to do these random drug tests would make me feel uncomfortable at a place I use to call home. A random drug test during high school hours is not a good idea.
Well although I do think that we should follow the fourth amendment that our fore fathers wrote, I actually dont think that it would be a bad idea as discribed in this blog. There are large numbers of young teenagers who consume drugs illegaly and many of them do need help. The fact that there is no punishment I think would work well because the last thing a teenager wants to hear is another nagging parent. I personally know teenagers who do drugs and want to stop but are afraid to admitt to their parents and to their peers that they have a problem, I think this would be a good approach to helping all those teens with those problems.
Random drug testing at schools is constitutional under certain guidelines (e.g. for athletes). The U.S. Supreme Court upheld this in Vernonia v. Acton (1995).
Broader drug testing is still under consideration and there is much disagreement among the lower federal courts.
For more information:
http://www.enotes.com/everyday-law-encyclopedia/drug-testing
I agree with the idea of random drug screanings on the children of public schools. It is for the good of the children and the environment. It will allow schools to stay safe and students to be clean.
Of course there would need to be some guid lines in this praposle, but I think it will turn out to be the best solution. Students and parents should know, before applying to the school, that the school will give random screenings. The tests need to be compleatly confidential. Only the student and doctor should know. Not the parents not the teachers or principle. ONly the student and the doctor. I belive this way would be best.
Lets say this student is on trial for expultion. The history of drug usage should not be brought up by either attorny or judge. If the districts and schools have the money for the testing, then i say go for it. If a school does not have the funds and the county requiers this of all schools then i beleive it should a voluntary test.
When ever the student wants to get tested then he or she could go to the doctor and ask to be tested.
Another issue is the part of public schools. With going to a public school all students and parents must understand the rights they have by attending that school. If the school is private and it is mandated for students to get tested then and only then should there be a required law for random drug screenings, at public schools.
I disagree with this random drug test that parents sign their children up for. Come on this is like a parent walking in the room on a guy doing “something” or a dad walking in on his daughter with her boy friend, its called PRIVACY!!! Yea they say it wouldn’t be shared but how often does that ever happen, the parents will say “o don’t worry, we just want to know” BULL-CRAP, once they find out you are doing drugs everything will change. Parents wont let their kids go out anymore, and the biggest thing of all is TRUST will be lost, all because of some stupid test. Plus in the 4th Amendment it only says that people have their personal life to themselves (just in other words) but if schools start having these test that 4th amendment isn’t really doing what it is saying to do. For example sometimes I know some people that do things that shouldn’t be known but that doesn’t mean you got to test them to know, or to find out, all you go to do is ASK! It’s that easy, and if the child lies well then its NONE OF YOUR BUISESS! That’s why the 4th amendment is there. But for me schools shouldn’t do anything about this, this is the parents worries, the only thing the school should do something is when they see an actually student doing drugs on campus and teaching of course, buts THATS ALLL!! NO TEST!
I believe that a random drug test is necessary in public schools but than again im not so sure. Having drug test test at schools is a really good way to prevent drugs to be on school campus. It will also be a good thing for students as well as their parents, because that way when they go to school they will know that their is nothing that is going to hold them back from learning. In my personals opinion i think that they should only do the random drug test on people that constantly go late to school, that are getting bad grades, or that dont attend school often. I believe that they should do that to those types of people.They are only making it obious on themselves meaning they are giving signs that their is something obiously wrong with them because no regular student acts that way. In order to be positively sure that its because of the drugs they should do the random drug test, that way they would never suspect was coming.Hence, if they have drugs theywont have anywhere for them to hide it because they werent aware of the inspection. I wouldnt think it would be right for them to do random drug test on people that havent given any signs that they are taking drugs or anything like that. However, i also see it the other way they should do the random check to everybody. I say that because what about if a student that hasnt taken any drugs has a friend that does, obiously the ones that are going to have the random drug check are the ones that had past references. Hence, the drug users would tell their friend to take care of it because they already know that they wont be checked. That is why i feel that everybody should be tested, that way nobody gets away with it. After coming to a conclusion i realized that it wouldnt be right at all having random checked because is basically invading you property especially if you havent given any signs of drug use. That is trespassing my privacy as well as invading it. Eventhough its invading peoples privacy they should still punish who ever is caught with drugs because its just not right for anyone to be doing drugs. If they were capable of consuming drugs than they have to take charge for their actions and assume responsibility. Their are better things to do in life than to just waste your life by doing nothing and been dumb by doing drugs.
I’m rather indifferent about the entire situation. I can see way it would work, but I also see the negative, or the “potential” negative effects of this random drug testing.
If a parent suspects their kid of doing drugs, then get them tested in another way. Why should it be brought into the school? It’ll make students not trust in their school.
In another view, parents might not know any other way of verifying if thier kids are doing drugs or not. If they sign up their kids to do it at school, then it possibly will eliviate stress for them, but it can cause them to lose their child’s trust.
Schools should deal with drug problems when it’s absolutely evident. If there is no way of proving it, then they shouldn’t bother to tamper with suspiciouns.
i think it would probably e best by highschool years just to avoid the whole testing because you are invading a teenage’s space and its these kind of things that tick a teenager off and make them rebel. By this time they want to be treated as an adult and in the real world no one is going to be really on top of them making sure that they are doing good if they dont want to. By this time students know what they need to do and can differentiate good from bad it is on them though. They make their own choices.
I can say though we can do this for middle school student’s because they are still learning and can still be taught some. To where high school students feel they know all they need to know.
i think it would probably e best by highschool years just to avoid the whole testing because you are invading a teenage’s space and its these kind of things that tick a teenager off and make them rebel. By this time they want to be treated as an adult and in the real world no one is going to be really on top of them making sure that they are doing good if they dont want to. By this time students know what they need to do and can differentiate good from bad it is on them though. They make their own choices.
I can say though we can do this for middle school student’s because they are still learning and can still be taught some. To where high school students feel they know all they need to know.
I sasy that schools should not impleament the rendom drug testing. first of all if all of the students that get tested have there parents saying they should be tested then it would cause anger between the parents and students. it would also creatre hostilitty at school because the suspecion would rise and have a direct impact on the learning f students. So they shouuld not if there is an underground drung ring going on its better then it getting broken down becasue it would mess with teh flow.
According to the Fourth Amendment, this is unconstitutional! There is no “probable cause.” The Fourth Amendment does not cover random searches. These searches will violate an individuals privacy and their right.
Plus, from what I read, it seems that people who test positive won’t actually be punished. Sure, they will be “encouraged” to participate in assistance programs, but that’s it. They wouldn’t have to go. These random searches will only tell students that it’s OK to do drugs because they won’t have to face any serious consequences.
Besides, what kind of parent would volunteer their child to be tested? This simply means that the parent does not trust their child and they are cowards for not confronting them on their own. They just hand over the problem to the school district. If a parent truly cared if their child did drugs, they would speak to them and seek help for them on their own.
I think it is a good idea. Parents need a way to reach out to their kids when it seems too late. The testing should only be done to children who have low grades and behavior issues. This way it will reduce the number of good students whom these testing might do more harm than good. It could embarrass them or make hurt them psychologically.
I do not think this is an impediment of the 4th Amendment because anyone under 18, their parents can invade their privacy. Minor are not legally their own.
This testing will take students taking drugs off the streets and give them something positive to do that they may be interested in and even keep their attention after they are out of the program. Students that test positive should be talked to, not only about the negative affects of doing drugs are, but how they harm others, innocent people. They should have to go witness first had people’s lives and situations that have been screwed up by drugs. They should also have to do community service, helping with situations created because of drugs. Community service such as watching kids whose parents are druggies, babies born addicted to drugs, etc.
I think that implementing a drug test at school would be very good, but it can also be not too good. Doing drug test at school can be very helpful for student if they are doing drugs, so that they can get put into a program to help them. But it could also cause problems at the school and with the students as well. According to the 4th amendment all citizens have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. So the students should have the right to agree to the drug test or not. It is a good thing that the drug test is voluntary, if it were not many problems would occur.
I believe that the school district should not get involve with kids doing frus because they kno what they are doing and waht the effects are. If a kid on campus is caught doing drugs then the school should contact their parents and find a solution to his problems and a punishment of some sort. Although I do think that all schools should have a voluntary drug test program so that students can be given the opportunity to be given help.
I disagree. I think These random drug tests are an invasion of privacy and unconstitutional. It says in the consititution that our privacy will not be violated and I think by doin this that it is. Besides why should the school be involved? If the parents are concerned for their kids then they should handle it, not get the school into it. I think a good idea would be to have D.A.R.E. come or other people who try to prevent kids from doing drugs come and visit the school and show the kids the effects drugs can have on our lifes. Like when we had the MADD thing come to our school and show us what might happen when you drink and drive. It might open someone’s eyes and prevent them from doing drugs.
I personally do not like this idea of radom drug testing. It is unconstitutional. Although they say that they will not punish the students who test positive, it is just an invasion of privacy. I do not think schools have the right to give you a drug test for any reason, especially because they want to send the “positive” students to assistance programs such as re-hab. Yes, your parents ahve the right to know if you are doing drugs or not but they would be breaking the law because it is unconstituional to “search in someone’s persons”. And that’s precisely what they will be doing. I believe teens have need to figure out for themselves that drugs are not something to mess around with. Everyone learns best by fixing their mistakes.
Honestly, i do like this idea but i dont like the fact that nothing will happen to the students who tested positve. If thats the case, y do it at all? what makes a student in school different than someone on the street? i think the same rules should imply or at least a fine; even forced rehab is good. it is the schools responsibility to make sure their students learn, so any distractions or obsticles should be removed.
I don’t like this idea because that is just like getting in somebody’s privacy. i can understand if it was for a job because i have been drug tested for that but just for the hell of it for your parents and the school to know it wouldn’t be right. if teachers found out which students were doing drugs then i believe they would probably treat them a little different. if the school knows that a student is doing drugs then have them talk to their parents or ahve parents ask their children because i tihnk drug testing is just for people who get in trouble with the law or for a job but never for just to know about a certain student
I am against the random drug testing. Setting up these drug testing facilities in public schools is not going to stop kids from doing what they want especially when there is no consequences if they test positive. This against our rights and invades our privacy to have these testing facilites set up. For example, if we were to set up a drug testing place at I-poly and every student was tested and out of our entire school 100 students tested postive. Whats going to happen? Nothing!! They test postive, the teachers give them a little slap on the wrist and let them go on their merry way. How is that going to stop them from using drugs? Its not. Now don’t get me wrong i am totally against using drugs, i think they are bad for you, but there are others who use them and plan on still using them no matter what. Now if the random drug testing did happen and kids where tested positive, okay they’ll stop doing at school, but that doesnt mean they are going to stop when they are out of school, selling drugs to other people, etc. Personally, i dont think it’s going to be very affective and its unconstitional. If the random drug testing is going to be enforced they should punish those testing positive, find their source where they get their drugs, expell them , send them to juve, do something that will give them a lesson and make them learn from their mistakes. But, like i said i dont think the random drug testing is a good idea and its against our rights as Americans
Random drug testing can be an effective way in helping students who are consuming drugs get help and placed in a special program but at the same time i feel that its wrong because it is invading privacy.As soon as students notice that the school is going over hand they’ll begin to miss or ditch school because they are scared of what will happen when parents and teachers find out.They do this secretly for a reason and most likely wont like the idea of getting randomly checked and put on blast. I think the only way a school can watch their students best without invading privavcy would have to be either testing them and giving them a consequence or just not doing nothing at all since this wont stop students who are already addicted to drugs. For example, I poly has a random drug test, 250 out of the 500 that attend our school test positive. Those other 250 that tested positive should be inserted to an after school program that teaches them the cons on drugs and how it will affect them later. they should also be punished and put to clean up the school after their lectures or maybe even something a little more mean just so they learn a lesson. Im against drugs but as well i am against invading peoples privacy especially if nothing is going to happen to them in order for them to quit or at least to help them.
I dont agree with this statement. Giving the staff the athority over the student body would be abuse. It could be used against a person because the might have had to take a large of drugs that day and the staff not know and the student get punished for nothing.I agree with it in regards to sports and giving a drug test for that reason but just a ramdom test it not cool. I wouldn’t have anything to hide but just the fact of not being tursted would be really hard for me. I would suggest that they shedule the test then people could prepare and wont be surprised. It would reduce the harrassment feeling. Towords using drugs I dont think that a school could control that cuz kids are going to find a way weather they get caught is on them.
So the topic of random drug testing::: For starters one may see it as a way to stop teens from doing drugs because of the randomness of not knowing when a drug test is to take place. Others may see it as a disappointment and a waste of time of doing searches on the teens, because teens might protest and say it is unconstitutional because people are ignoring their 4th amendment rights, and no one wants to deal with protests from a bunch of “ignorant” teens.
For me I am honestly very indifferent to it, I don’t do drugs so if there would be a random drug test I`d sure as hell be clean. Yes, I can see and understand the positive and negative sides of the whole story, and though it might be helpful there are always flaws to the system; you can`t have your cake and eat it to.
Because of these drug tests, its not going to stop kids from doing drugs; heck it may make them do it more since their “sentence” is that they are ENCOURAGED to participate in an assistance program.
I think if they were to do this the kids who do drugs should have a higher sentence than just a voluntary program. Because i could smoke pot all day and just have a sentence of a voluntary program..and then because it is voluntary i don`t have to go and then just smoke more pot.
Well the conclusion is the same as the intro, and as i said from the get-go if they pass that there should be random drug tests in school, I really don`t mind or care because either way Ill be clean (unless they check for the drug of Jesus, because I`m sure high on him) lol
The random drug testing should not be allowed in schools unless there is a dramatic change in students appearance or behavior. If students are constantly harming others or not following school policies. If schools do decide to do random drug testing they should not dismiss a student unless he or she is not concerned about their education. I know people who use drugs in school but they do not cause any trouble at school. They just talk with there friends go to class do what is assigned and go home without any problems with any students or staff. Now if a student is suddenly not looking like a healthy person then maybe there should be questions that should pop up. You have a right to privacy according to the constitution.
i believe that it could be relatively affected to certain people, or certain familys, but we are all different and unique. the 4th amendment state sthat there will be no un-authorized searches seizures, etc ( in my own words) thus the school cant really search through any of your things. then we have the parent volunteering part. parents who volunteer there children are probably going to have it the worst, since a) the kid could get angry and start doing drugs b) the kid already does drugs and will pursue these things, be agrivated with his parents and refuse all contact with them. but then again for a student as myself. i have nothing to hide, so i really wouldn’t care if they searched me or not, but by constitutional rights i am not suppose to be searched. all in all this would never work unless it became part of some policy, or “special school” parents will always think different. kids will always be curious, so i don’t think that this would work either way.
I think this ramdom drug testing is a very good idea.Students at this age are not supose to be doing things of this sort,which means if they have already started it the parents(whom still conrol your life at this age) should be in formed.Not so much to get angry but to help their child when most in need.Sure so kids would get offended when first asked to take the test,but if they actually look at the overview of the whole meaning behind it,they would realize it is doing no harm.For those who get tested positive,should realize that this is also good.Now a days kids start experimenting with drugs beacuse they usually have no one there to say “STOP” or “THAT’S BAD FOR YOU.” With this new program,that school districts are adding there would definetly be a huge decrease in the percentage of minors and drug abuse in California,which could just be the start.
Personally i don’t see what the big deal is because this test has nothing but positive outcomes.For example if i had a friend who always showed up high to school or drunk i would try to help as much as i could.i would eeventually give up beacuse the hard ache i would go through would be much worst seening someone i love go to waste.With this program i wouldn’t have to worry as much about trying to help my friend by myself but now with the help of the program consultants.
This could be a good idea, but why do it if there isnt going to be consequences for those students that test positive. i can see why this would work but i dont really see the point if there isnt any consequences or punishments.
The schools dont really have the right to invade the privacies of their students, i know that the parents would give the permission for the school to test their kid, but why? i mean if the parent really suspects that their kid is on some kind of drugs, why not take them get tested somewhere else outside of school.
another thing that schools should know that they are dealing with teens and rebellion. if the students know that if they get tested and the test comes out to be positive, and the test isnt going to be shared with anyone they would still do it. because no one else would know about their situation.
i mean i agree with jonathan r. if its evident that the used of drugs is going on around the school, then maybe and only maybe the school should step in and act upon it but if there really isnt any than why even bother?
i can see that maybe this could be one way to help teens that are in drugs, but would this really work?
From my point of view , i can see that this would only cause a lot of conflict between parents, schools and the students.
random drug testing seems to me to be the most effective way of testing in school however I do not encourage its use. The random part of drug testing makes it a fair system. sometimes you get tested sometimes you dont. If you dont want to get caught stop using. However many kids will think they will never get tested. Maybe they think they’ll get overlooked. Thats when they’ll get caught, and thats when they’ll get help. However random drug testing to me seems to be some invasion of privacy. I’m not really supporting drug use I just cant get over the fact that in my gut random drug testing feels wrong.
This article does not only relate to us simply because we are high school students, but in current news, football star, Michael Vick was tested in a routine drug test and turned up positive for marijuana. He was subjected to some community service and was suspended from playing, but is also now subject to random drug testing to make sure he is clean.
I do not like the way the article singles out public schools for these tests while leaving out private. I know plenty of private school kids who do drugs. Also, if the results are going to be kept private, and the kids are not going to be punished in any way for it, then I do not see the point of the school district wanting to implement these random tests. I think they want to set these as their rules now, and once it is in place, change them or alter them to make the results available to parents or other official figures.
I do not think random drug testing should be brought into schools, public or private. I do not see the point. If a kid is not high or on drugs while at school, how can the school have any right to test them; just like police can not arrest someone who has done drugs before, only if they are on them at the time. I agree that it would bring pointless fear to the school setting and provide for a lot of tension between faculty and students.
I do believe that schools should have the right to call the police if they believe that a student is on drugs while they are on campus, but that is where the line is drawn. “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…” this is a direct quote from the 4th Amendment saying that by law, it is illegal to be searched or have anything confiscated from you without probable cause. Meaning that schools can not just think a kid is on drugs without evidence suggesting or proving so.
The “random” tests are probably not actually as random as they seem. Teachers have an idea of who they think might be using drugs and who they are so sure are not so I would not trust these random tests anyway.
My suggestion for what schools should do with a kid who is on drugs is call the police because it is an illegal act, but they have no right to do anything about suspicion or assumption that they might be using them outside of school. I-poly is a pretty clean school compared to many schools around my house. Our no tolerance policy probably keeps many of these acts away from school. The Orange school district might have probable cause to believe that kids are using drugs outside of school but that is not enough to implement a random drug testing system. Students should be able to do what they want under the law outside of school but if they are not breaking the law while on campus then I think they should be left alone.
The last thing any student needs is random drug tests. Students feel as though public school systems are against them in the first place. We are distrusting, intimidated and pissed off at the system. So how is submitting students to peeing in a little cup and being told that they’re smoking too much pot going to help? This is an absolute abuse of power and should be deemed unconstitutional.
Imagine this situation: a student whose parents already don’t trust them submit them for random drug testing. In a sense, the parents have legal consent over the students, so I guess they are legally allowed to do this. However…this particular student is an all around good kid. They never drink or do drugs, but one weekend they decide to just take a couple hits off of so and so’s bong to see what it feels like. They get to school Monday and are sent to the office for a random drug test. Now this student is in deep shit. How is that even fair?
I’m a big fan of trust in a school environment. The reason I went to I-Poly in the first place was because at my middle school, I felt like a number, not a human. Many schools already have random searches and drug dogs running around the campus…how are random drug tests going to help at all? Not to mention…this is absolutely a violation of the fourth amendment. Even though most high school students are under the age of 18, they still are protected under the constitution against seizures and searches without a warrant. Implementing a drug test is not okay.
i disagree with the random drug test because basically if the parents actually do this it shows how much they trust their kids. the school has no business in the life of others. the random drug test are useless if the only purpose is to inform the parents. if they did pass a random drug test, they should enforce it with punishments because without them i do not believe that it has a purpose. this idea of random drug test will only interfere in the relationship between the parents and their children. their relationship at home will not be the same and the trust will be gone. no one likes being blamed of doing something constantly. this makes me think of over protective parents, parents that do not give their children enough space. if this regulation passes then it will only open the door for those types of parents, and soon it will be sex test and eventually go to the extreme such as to say implanted GPS tracking devices that will see every place the child is. the only exception to were this drug testing maybe to good use is if the child is an drug adict and can not control themselves. as the first amendment says ” but upon probable cause.” having a past of drug abuse is probable cause. this law is to extreme and should not be implemented
I disagree with the implementation of random testing at public schools. Yes, it might sound like a good and fair idea at first but after you think about it, it’s just absurd. By having random drug tests at school students will feel uncomfortable and restricted. Also, many students will probably feel offended that they have to take this test, I know I would. It’s a violation of privacy and it will only make me want to refuse it even more. Besides it will just show me that my parents can’t trust me. Yes, parents are accountable for us until age 18, when we are considered adults, but if they really wanted to protect us from drugs they would be able to find another way to talk to us about drugs and not just pass on the job to the school. This will just demonstrate irresponsibility and lack of trust. This random test will just cause more harm than good. I suggest schools should still offer counseling and assistance programs to those that want it or need it, but they shouldn’t require a random test to all students. I mean, even if the results of these random tests were kept secret and there wasn’t a punishment, I would still feel insulted. Our constitution gives us the right to our privacy and it should continue that way…
I think it’s wrong. Where do we draw the line? If schools are allowed to test their students for drugs, then what’s next? They monitor our backpacks, what we carry, what we eat? This is ridiculous, from my perspective.
If a parent really, beyond a shadow of a doubt thinks that their child is taking drugs, talk to them! Why go behind their back and tell the school? Take them to the doctor or handle the problem themselves. That’s a parents duty, after all. The whole thing sounds really petty and cruel to me.
I don’t really see how it helps the student either. The school isn’t punishing them and the school isn’t forcing them into rehab. Are those students really going to want to go to “assistance”? I don’t think so. Plus, no matter how hard the school administration tries to keep the testing under wraps, it’s going to get out. Let’s be honest here, it’s high school. We gossip…a lot. There’s no way something that juicy would escape us. The student would be humiliated, and it would be even worse if that kid didn’t do drugs but everyone thought that they did.
Informing students about drugs and showing them what happens is always effective. Schools should offer counseling and help to those students who want it. But having their parents push them into a testing that might not even result in a positive reading is wrong.
For example, a long time ago one of my friends was suspected of doing drugs. She was innocent. But if she wanted help I would have talked to her or her parents would have. She would have had help without the school.
I just think that we have to draw the line somewhere…
I think random drug test would be great. It would be a sneaky and least suspecting way to catch the little grimy criminal involved in the act. Is it and invasion of privacy? Let’s see, no. It’s not an invasion of privacy because there parents are the ones that agree to letting there kids be subjected to the test. The parents hold all the responsibility for the kid, there job is to protect them and make sure they become good bush loving Americans. It’s actually a very good thing, even though people say its invasion of privacy. I would rather have my kid get his shit raided and get help; rather then become a crack head giving hand jobs for smack. If the kid is in a situation where he or she feels that they are uncomfortable at school because they know the school is doing drug test, then that’s a sign of the random drug test working. They could then go and give him or her help. So random drug test are good, and it’s not an invasion of privacy. Think of it as a good invasion of privacy lets say. Even if you get caught your not in trouble, you get help, which is all they want to do for these kids.
I completely agree with implementing random testings at public school. Now a days there is so much drug use in schools and most of the time the school doesn’t even notice. Parents don’t even m=notice that their children are doing drugs. It’s really sad that a parent can’t tell if their kid is doing drugs. if parents can’t identify what their kids are doing what makes them think that the teachers are going to notice, when they are in charge of 30 different kids! If implementing random testing at public-schools would mean that less kids were involved in drugs then so be it. And if a student is caught using drugs they should be forced to go talk to a counselor and with their parents at the same time. They should try to figure out what is going on in his mind that is making him make these decisions.
I’m kind of in the middle of whether or not students should be tested. Because I am highly against underage drinking and drugs as well, I believe that if the parents of the students agreed to have their kids tested, then go right ahead. On the other hand, I believe it is a violation to one’s privacy, in this case the students. If parents really trust their kids, then why would they want to have them tested?
Maybe a good idea would be to have a drug test every once in a while without letting the students know when it’s going to happen. This way the school will know who is it that they need to keep an eye on.
I think random drug testing is actually a good idea! Schools should put this into action even if it goes against the 4th amendment. I like how they plan keeping the information private. I think that once parents find out their kid is using drugs, it will open their eyes and make them face reality. Hopefully this will help parents get more involved in their child’s life. Kids/Teenagers shouldn’t be doing this in the first place. This form of action shouldn’t be seen as a matter of invading privacy, they should see it more as a helping hand. They also shouldn’t be afraid of being tested because, after all their not being punished for it. I think that this will/can come into great use in many schools and it should be done.
Having schools make random drug tests is a very well way to catch drug users. Although it may also cause much problems amongst students and schools. Parnets should really consider the fact that they must respect their children and know when they’ve gone too far. Making stricter guidlines will only cause for teens to rebel. For example, now a days even junior high students do things that not even a 21 year old would do.
Those types of children arent really educated by their parents. Many adults dont have a clue on how to parent, and it’s those types of parents whom sign up their kids for random drug tests. Although random drug testing can be very significant for nosey parents, there will be tons and tons of teens who will protest against this act.
I honestly do not agree with the random testing that this policy implements because it is an invasion of privacy. However, schools do require testing for sports and I do think that is a good thing because if drugs are being used there should be a punishment for the athlete. I guess if there is probable cause there can be a drug test but also I do not think that the school should get involved because the random testing will let the school get a hold of the student’s records and will interfere with the situation and this will lead to bias and lead to punishment by the school even though it says it will not. I think that schools should only be able to test if the student is in sports or inform the parent if they have probable cause.
What do you suggest schools with regards to students using drugs?
i totally agree with the implement i think that the drug abuse these years is way to high. i would like to go out and be able not to smell the disgusting smell of weed or go out and not seeing teenagers passed out because of drugs. i think that this well lower the teenage of over dosing. there wouldn’t be so many drugs on the campus. i think it well help the parents control there children and the school can help it well help teens keep clean. I mean i would understand if the school will take charge and kick out the student but they are not what they are doing is helping them keep clean. it would also make a better world. it’s good because for example… when someone is in under the watch if they are drinking or smoking weed they dont do it and i think thats a good thing which shows that it does work!
I don’t think they it will be very effective having random drug testing at schools. I think for the students who don’t use drugs at all, it will make them feel violated, and being put down to that level making them thing people are assuming they do drugs. It’ll also take time out and away from school where students could be getting their education, it’ll add to the stress of students, too.
And for the students who are on drugs..drugs can be addictive, if they’re on it, and addicted, they’re gonna have a harder time getting off of them besides just being on some assistance program. And I just don’t think having it in a highschool would be very effective. Maybe for students with a history of drug abuse, but having it deal with the parol officers or something like that instead of it being through school.
Ensuring the safety of students in school is important, but I must say that this is another one of those issues that lay with parental responsibility. I see that the good intentions are there, but the fact that the results are private and that there will be no punishment means that the random drug testing will be inefficient and a waste of time for everyone involved.
If a person is willing to do drugs in school, instead of at home, that already shows that student’s lack of judgment. A person like that will most likely not respond positively to a sit down chat with parents and advisors, especially if they are not facing any punishment. I must agree with the opponents of the argument that say this will only bring more harm than good, providing students with a challenge, encouraging them to find and use drugs that would fly under the radar.
Proponents of random drug testing say that this will encourage discussion and show that parents care, but many schools already provide a means of discussion through D.A.R.E (drug abuse resistance education) which aims to teach elementary through high school children about tobacco smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as how to resist peer pressure in making personal choices. If schools were extremely worried than they would implement this program that poses no cost to the district and provides a stepping stone to preventing drug use in children and young adults.
In addressing the idea that this will show parents care, I believe that the school should continue their method of suspending or expelling those that use illegal substances as well as provide information to parents on the signs and treatment of drug abuse, as well as how and where to get a drug testing kit. If the problem grows progressively worse then that student can be punished through the court system or demanded to enter rehab.
Schools should address any problems of drinking or drug use on campus, but should not be bothered with treating and counseling when that is essentially the parents’ job. With the DARE program and information for parents, I believe that my plan would create less fear and suspicion in school, providing a means for parents and students that is more beneficial than random drug testing.
I believe that random drug test should be allowed or not allowed based on the students and parents decision. The parents should be able to talk to their kids if they are doing drugs or not. But if the parents and students agree to this, it can be considered. Some good things can come out of these test like they will know who is doing drugs and they can help them now from being a drug addict in the future. Some bad situations can be that it would be a privacy issue, because the students might not want the parents or anyone to know they are doing drugs. But this might help them in the careers and future.
I think that this random Drug testing would be a good idea. This would be a good idea simply because it would help teens from doing drugs. Its a good way to check if teen are doing drugs this will keep them aware and scare them away from doing drugs. The program that they want to implement, would help stop them from doing drugs and get them help instead of leaving them with no options. Opponents say it would do more harm than help ,i dont see how it would harm them i see it more as it would help them. Also many people are overdosing and dropping out of school. Some teens might say that this isnt fair and that its stupid and they dont need anyone to testing them for drugs but they need to wake up and relize that they are destroying there lives by taking drugs. But i say that they should allow the random drug testing at schools that have a high incindents of drug use and as for the other schools just to leave it as they are.
I do not agree with the random testing at public schools. This is not only an invasion of privacy in my opinion, but also pointless. For one thing I think its stupid to have these random test, and have no punishment after they take it. There is know point if you do it, and you don’t have any punishments. I think parents depend on others to much to raise there kids. I think they should just learn to raise there own kids. I hate to say this, but its nearly impossible to stop kids from doing what they want to do. They are always going to find a way to get it done, if they want it that badly. I think schools should have classes on drug awareness and the dangers of using drugs. I think after they take those classes they should be mature enough to make the decisions for themselves. I also think the parents should have already let them know about the dangers of drugs. When its all said and done, its up for the student to decide. They should decide if they want to do drugs or not.
Random drug tests in school? FUCK THAT! Yes i know it may deter students from using drugs. But personally I’m not about to piss in a cup for my school so they can tell me whether or not i took drugs over the weekend. Its a violation of my rights. What i do in my own time is none of my schools business.
The article also said “The test results would remain private and the school would not punish students who test positive.” And then went on to say some crap about “encouraged” participation in rehab. That kinda sounds like bullshit. Those assistance programs are probably more than encouraged.
Depending on the type and the quality of the drug tests purchased, drug users may test “clean”. Most likely, a public school would buy the ordinary piss in a cup and dip the stick drug tests, which suck and can be altered if one knows how to do so. There are also methods of flushing out the body system. So in the end there are quite a few ways the crappy urine tests can be beat.
Lastly, urine tests can show false positives with opiates. A few hours after eating something with poppy-seeds (like a muffin) the test can show a false positive. This could prove to be a problem.
I am against this random school drug testing crap. Its a violation of my rights, and although the tests may prove to be accurate often, they can be beat and/or test false.
I must say that I am nearly vehemently opposed to the idea of random drug testing in schools. I do not agree with any drugs in any way, shape, or form and include alcohol in my disagreement at most times. However, I cannot see that this testing serves any purpose other than to violate the rights of students and give parents unfair control over their children. I guess that it could be a beneficial toll in aiding to the prevention of drug abuse, but there must be a better way than this sort of testing. Attending school is definitely not the same as working for a company. It is definitely a choice and a privelege given by the company (as the worker is getting paid!) to have a job, therefore to protect the best interests of the company, random drug testing is quite acceptable. However, in school, students should feel safe, not like they are being deemed to be drug users. If the parents must volunteer the students to be tested then maybe they should use these great parenting skills to gain a trusting relationship with their child, or seek therapy for their child if they sense that something is wrong, such as drug use.
Well to me it doesn’t really matter cause i don’t do drugs, but I guess for other people it would depend. Someone who doesn’t do drugs as myself would say yes, I do agree with this. Why? Well cause that person has nothing to hide. Someone who does some sort of drug, would say no because they are trying to protect themselves from being caught. Even though the school won’t punish the child, it will still stay on record that this child does drugs, and in the future he/she might be tempted to do more. As far as the invasion of privacy, it happens all the time. For example, mostly in public schools, kids get their backpacks searched by teachers or sometimes by sniffing dogs. In middle school, this happened once, and a kid was found with Mary-Jane hiding in his backpack. So in reality, something small like that is still invasion of privacy, whether they do the random drug test or not, people can be caught by other things. So overall, I agree with this, not only can we save our schools from drugs, we can save indivisuals from the evil clutches of Mary-Jane and her little friends.
I think that the random drug test is good for the country, because the police can check if anyone is high off any drug or drunk and can take away before they get in a big car crash, or run over someone. This makes sure that teenagers or any other people can’t drink or use drugs, it gives teenagers a higher risk to use drugs, which might work or it might encourage teens to do it more often. So i think that random drug checks are good for the community to protect the people and prevent the use of drugs.
I think that random drug tests do good in catching those who do drugs. But, I don’t feel its the school’s responsibility to implement such things. Parents should carry out there obligation to their children and keep an eye on them, themselves. As it is, schools have dogs to sniff out drugs, and many have police officers too. So the last thing anyone would want, would be another task force, anyways.
If a school KNOWS a student does drugs, they should hand the matter over to the police. Schools should be a safeguard for us, inputting random drug tests would take that feeling of freedom away.
I beleive there should be drug testing at public schools. But not randomly. I believe that if both the parents and the student agree, then they should be tested. Even though the test results would be kept private and the students would not be punished, it would still put a lot more pressure on the students that prove positive to quit. Even though the program would help kids try to quit drugs, the fact that they are in the program in the first place, eventually everyone would find out about it. Kids talk. Instead, I suggest that parents and schools find a more affective way to figure out whether or not students are on drugs and help them quit.
Examples like have students talk to councilors. Councilors alone would not be enough, they would have to create an envirnment that opens and welcomes students. Teach them about the affects drugs have on their bodies and have students feel welcomed. Like they can be helped with their problems, and not criticized. This way would be better. The students would actually want to share, instead of having the truth exposed by a test.
i dont think they should test kids for drugs. im pretty sure its not going to stop them from taking drugs, maybe it will, or maybe kids will be really mad and do more drugs. i just think it is a waste of money and time for drug testing the whole school. if they test our school like 80% of our school doesnt do drugs for some reason. theere is not that many people in our school that do it abusively….just saying if they tested our school it will be a waste of money to bring all that equipment and there is no significant point to it. just leave it the way it is right now. drugs are a freedom of choice. but i say NO to drugs!.. anyway, so i wont be worried about it.
I believe random drug testing is wrong because it is an invasion of privacy according to the 4th Amendment. The programs such as D.A.R.E, S.T.A.R and the other drug-prevention programs work, especially the anti-drug ads. They worked for me and taught me that drugs will do nothing but mess up your life.
I also feel it is wrong for the parents to volunteer there kids for random drug testing program. It really shows the trust between the two parties. The trust issues probably destroy relationships between the parent and the child or just make things worst, so leave it be.
-SAY NO TO DRUGS!!!! =)
I am against random drug testing. This dosent give any freedom to the adolescents what does this say about society. How would you like it if you were randomly walking out on the street and some big van pulled over inside. They will then examine you and see if you were on types of drugs. We need to be trusted. We go under enough stress as it is and now the district wants to undergo random drug testing. That is absurd, it just comes to tell you on how much parents trust their children i find it ridicolous. Parents need to form a stronger bond between their children and not go random drug testing.
well, after reading th 4th amd. i think random drug testing is alreayd kind of out of the question. this whole thing seems rather cheap to me, seeing how almost every school has ZERO tolerance when t comes to drug use… yet they aren’t going to do anything is a student tests positive. a school counselor is going to help? come on! this is america..no, this is WORLD…stuff like that doesn’t happen. Plus, random drug tests, it’s invading privacy. and it’s wrong according to the 4th amendment
i dont think that this is going against the 4th, first of all the schools are asking if there are any parents that are willing to volunteer their kids for this program. so in a way its helping control drug usage. in the amendment it states that we have the right to privacy, but honestly that doesn’t kick in until yoou are about 18 or so and technically all of these kids are still in high school. so their parents can ask the school for these things to be done to their children, as long as their not 18.
this district seems to mean well about their program, although it does not state wether or not the police are going to be involved if you are tested posisive. maybe thats what the “asistance” is but either way wether the cops find out or not they should take it as a favor being done to them. for the ones that are tested positive they are just lost and have nothing else to do, with i wouldn’t blame the parents completely, but thats a diferent topic.