The Electric Buzz

Drug testing in schools, good idea or bad idea?

Thursday, September 28, 2006 By Kristy Scott

In 2004, President George W. Bush called for drug testing in schools during a State of Union address. Many school districts have started drug testing in schools after Bush announced it. It may be a good way of preventing drug use as well as saving lives. Depending on how many students actually do drugs, it could cut classes and make it an easier learning environment with students who prefer to learn than to get high. Many oppose to drug testing everyone in schools and only drug test athletes or those in extracurricular activities since they are using school resources to better themselves. Others also believe that it violates a student’s Constitutional Rights. The 4th Amendment protects a person's privacy unless that person is doing drugs on campus. According to the New Jersey v. TLO, school officials are allowed to search with a reasonable doubt that the student is violating or has violated the law or rules of school. There are also people out there who argue about the size of the school districts. They say that it’s much harder to drug test those with large school districts than those with small school districts. In my opinion, drug testing in schools is a good idea because those who would rather come to school high or doped up than come to school prepared to learn should be offered assistance and help. Many people who do drugs in the nation started at a young age. With drug testing in schools, it could help prevent drug use around the nation and would benefit people of all ages. As I said before, it would make school an easier and safer learning environment. It would also protect the school from theft or vandalism. Drug testing in schools would also keep drugs off and away from campus, but I am only one voice. Drug testing in schools should be required. Saving lives is much better than not caring about what someone does. Everyone’s life should have a chance, and no one should be left behind. Later on they will thank those who saved them from the drugs, which makes everyone a hero. One life can make a difference, and one change could save someone’s life.