Don't expel students using drugs. Bush administration urges schools to treat, not punish

On Thursday, August 29th, the Office of National Drug Control Policy stated that they believed that drug testing should be preformed in schools. This testing is not a way to punish the drug users but to pin point the drug users and help them before the problem gets too out of hand. The Office of National Drug Control stresses the fact that these students found to be drug users should not be kicked out of school but rather help them before they become high school drop outs. An Education Department spokesman believed that each school should be free to decide what to do with their drug-using students. However, the National Education Association believes that if the schools are going to test their students it is their duty to help the drug-users and not kick them out. Test them to help them…not to punish them with the worst fate—no education. The Supreme Court has already ruled in favor for schools being able to test students involved in competitive after school activities. Nevertheless it is still in question whether or not they should be random testing for all students. Critics believe that if tests are positive and students are kicked out of the activities, which will worsen their condition. This is a much debated issue right now. Should or shouldn’t schools test their students? And if yes, should the students be kicked out or helped?

Question: Should all students in high school and middle school undergo random drug tests? Why or why not?

Answer: I believe that under this idea of trying to help the students instead of punishing them for drug use there should definitely be random drug testing. These tests are not to punish the students but to try and understand why they use drugs and why they shouldn’t. I think that the lack of information and caring leads students to use more. A lot of times a simple act of caring from these students educators can go a long way. A problem is always best caught early. Many could turn into dealers once they come of age.

Submitted by: Jessica L. Bartolozzi, American University
Source: CNN Education online, August 29th 2002. www.cnn.com/education