Efficacy of random drug testing of school programs questioned

[flashl]

What do the American Academy of Pediatrics, The Association for Addiction Professionals and the National Association of Social Workers have in common?

Each organization opposes the random drug testing of middle and highschool students.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed its stance opposing random student drug testing twice in 2007. In March the AAP said, "There is little evidence of the effectiveness of school-based drug testing." In December the AAP concluded, "Physicians should not support drug testing in schools … It has not yet been established that drug testing does not cause harm."

Nevertheless, random drug-testing programs have been touted at all levels of community and government as a sure-fire way to deter kids from using drugs.

...

Not only are researchers questioning the effectiveness of student drug testing, but civil libertarians also question its fairness.

"We are opposed to random drug testing. It is unnecessary, unfair and does not respect student privacy rights," said Jack VanValkenburgh, executive director of the Idaho American Civil Liberties Union. "Instead of being innocent until proven guilty, students, in order to participate in sports and other activities, must prove they are innocent."

VanValkenburgh said testing often occurs without cause.

"Even when there is no suspicion of drug use, students are tested. It's just wrong," he said.

...

According to study results released by the Oregon Health and Science University in October 2007, random drug testing was found to be unreliable in keeping teen athletes from using.

...

Nevertheless, SIPAD will soon ask students to voluntarily submit to drug testing, and will reward those who stay clean. Like Idaho Drug Free Youth, SIPAD, will be a student-led club.

Times News

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

1. Having gone through random drug tests in Reagan's military, I can say they are nothing but

an exercise in humiliation.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

2. my high school did extremely selective drug screening

to make sure they wouldn't find shit

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

3. The military had it down to an art.

[AndyTiedye]

4. The Ones Most "At Risk" Probably Aren't Participating in Sports or Other After-School Activities

[f the letter]

5. Whether it's effective or not, it's a violation of rights

And should be stopped immediately.