Pubdate: Mon, 10 Feb 2003
Source: Florida Today (FL)
Copyright: 2003 Florida Today
Contact: http://www.floridatoday.com/forms/services/letters.htm
Website: http://www.flatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/532
Author: Kristin D. Keyes

DRUG, TOBACCO TESTS ARE UNFAIR

Have schools crossed the line by requiring students to take drug
tests?

It's not all students. It's only the students who participate in
extracurricular activities.

I do not agree with singling students out just because they play
sports or have joined a club.

If schools are going to require students to take a drug test, it
should be for all students.

Being a teenager, I have felt the pressure of hearing, "You should get
more involved in school activities, and sports. That's what high
school is all about."

But if I am required to take a drug test, I'm not sure that I
would.

Actually, many students won't join clubs or try out for sports because
they correctly feel that their rights are being taken away.

The addition of tobacco to drug tests has also been discussed. But
many high school students are 18 years old, which means it would be
legal for them to buy and smoke or chew tobacco products.

If those students who are 18 were given the test and came up positive,
would they be forced to quit whatever activity they are involved in?

KRISTEN D. KEYES

Cocoa
- ---
MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)