NO
Tom Angell
It wastes scarce resources and doesn't work

Drug testing isn’t just contrary to common sense; science confirms it doesn’t work. A federally funded study of 90,000 students at 900 schools found no difference in drug use between schools that test and those that don’t.

How much do ineffective drug testing programs cost taxpayers? Schools that adopt the practice spend an average of $42 per student tested. In Dublin, Ohio, the cost of detecting only 11 students who tested positive was $35,000. That’s $3,200 per positive test. In addition to direct testing costs, schools that adopt programs are subject to pay for lengthy lawsuits filed by angry parents of students who register false-positive tests.

In a time when school districts are cutting programs and teacher salaries just to keep the lights on, flushing money down the toilet on drug testing is unconscionable. Limited drug-prevention resources should go toward implementing education and counseling programs that provide students with the support they need to make responsible choices.

Because of testing’s lack of demonstrated results, not many schools have adopted the practice. Only 2 percent of schools use random testing as a participation requirement for extracurricular activities other than sports; fewer than 5 percent randomly test student athletes. Supporters of drug testing claim the practice gives youth another reason to say “no” to drugs.

But randomly testing those participating in after-school programs simply gives at-risk students an excuse to say “no” to joining the activities in the first place. Schools should welcome students into positive environments provided by extracurricular activities, especially during the critical hours between the end of the school day and when parents come home from work. Instead, the prospect of having to urinate on demand turns students toward the streets, where they’re more likely to experiment with drugs.

From a student’s perspective, it’s demeaning to be forced into a bathroom stall while a nearby administrator listens for the sounds of urination. By sending the message that students are guilty until proven innocent, testing damages crucial relationships of trust. Students should feel comfortable approaching adults when they have drug or other problems. Instead, the “gotcha” attitude fostered by testing isolates students and deters them from seeking help and advice they might need.

Drug testing surely isn’t a quick fix for our nation’s drug problems and could actually make them worse. Congress should think twice before funding the president’s request. Students’ safety is at stake.

YES
Alanna R. Huck
It's one tool in the battle against drug abuse

The Coudersport (Pa.) Area School District is at the very center of the controversy, since we received a federal grant to begin a drug testing program. The grant was given to the district through the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools after a lengthy application procedure requiring the district to show a documented need for the grant. I believe the record in this area shows that drug testing can be part of an effective school response to the student drug abuse problem that many communities are grappling with.

Sensible implementation of drug testing is a key concern, of course. If Congress is to appropriate more money for drug testing, I believe that drug testing should be used for all students and not just for the extracurricular student population, as the current policy dictates. Drug use knows no boundaries and all students should be subjected to the test in order for a program to truly work. All students must realize that drugs have an adverse effect on physical, mental and emotional health.

Education is the key to the question of federal appropriations for additional drug testing. Congress should spend more money not only on drug testing, but on drug education as well. Drug testing alone will never cure the epidemic that exists with drug usage; but when this practice is combined with education it could in the long run save more lives.

Education for teachers, parents and students must focus on the warning signs of drug use. Stakeholders must be taught about the types of drugs students abuse, what paraphernalia to look for, the dangers and health risks of drug use, and treatment options. Funding should be provided for health educators to revamp health curriculums to incorporate such information about drug use, as well as instruction on healthy lifestyles and healthy choices.

I wish every drug test run in the United States would be negative, and that education alone could prevent the ills associated with drug use. But we know students are using drugs. Education and lip service are not paving the way for a drug-free America.

At this point, the fear of adverse effects from drugs may be enough for some students to say “no.” However many students in high school still believe nothing will ever happen to them if they experiment with high-risk behaviors such as drug use. I urge parents, teachers and students to embrace the idea of drug testing as an avenue for students to say “no” because they fear a positive drug test result.

Ultimately, life lessons are the one thing that teaches our students right from wrong; however, shouldn’t we all do what we can to prevent the tragedies associated with drug use among our nation’s youth?