Pubdate: Fri, 30 Nov 2001
Source: Florida Today (FL)
Copyright: 2001 Florida Today
Contact: http://www.floridatoday.com/forms/services/letters.htm
Website: http://www.flatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/532
Author: Ginger Warbis
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1973/a02.html

DRUG TESTING NOT THE ANSWER

A young student from Cocoa, Danielle Franklin, writes in praise of drug 
testing in the schools. I fear her missive overlooks cause for grave 
concern in our school system.

In her letter, Franklin states that "Drug use is illegal. Privacy has 
nothing to do with that." Apparently, she hasn't been taught about the 
presumption of innocence.

She then goes on to state that this program ". . .would also make the 
athletic programs at our schools better by ensuring that students are 
performing while completely healthy."

Apparently, the athletics department has neglected to familiarize Franklin 
with the rather rigorous and complex system of district, state and national 
competition that has worked so well to that end thus far.

In closing, Franklin opines that, "The purpose of this program would not be 
to isolate drug users and kick them out of school, but to lend a hand to 
help rehabilitate them." It seems her history teachers no longer assign 
Gulag Archipelago, either.

Yes, indeed, I believe there is cause for concern in the local schools. 
Thank you for bringing this to public attention.

Ginger Warbis

Lighthouse Point, Fla.
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MAP posted-by: GD