Pubdate: Mon, 24 Apr 2000
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2000 The New York Times Company
Contact:  229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
Fax: (212) 556-3622
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Author: David Earls

CHALLENGING DRUG TESTS

To the Editor:

I was astounded by the negative reaction of residents of Lockney, Tex., 
when Larry Tannahill, the father of a 12-year-old, challenged the school 
district's drug-testing policy in court (front page, April 17). Last summer 
my family challenged our board, which requires urine tests for certain 
academic classes.

I want to show my support for Mr. Tannahill, and wish that residents of 
Lockney who support him behind the scenes would also support him in public. 
We should remember this quotation from William O. Douglas, the Supreme 
Court justice:

"As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. In both 
instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. 
And it is in such twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the 
air -- however slight -- lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness."

David Earls, Tecumseh, Okla., April 19, 2000
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