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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Thumbs Up For Drug Testing, If Specified In Student Contracts

Brianne Jacobs For Our Generati

Are random drug tests constitutional in high schools? Is a signature on a piece of paper enough to keep an athlete to his or her word, or do drug tests better serve the purpose?

Drug testing was the issue that Our Generation Teen Council members debated in this month’s council meeting. The council was split on the issue at first, but as the debate ensued, we came to an agreement.

High school athletes now sign contracts stating they will stay clean of drugs during the sports season, but not all stay drug-free. Drug testing already goes on in some schools, such as Lewis & Clark, East Valley and Rathdrum. Mostly, it has gone well. Many said they didn’t mind the testing because they got to get out of class. Others, though, said they were offended because they think their word should be honored.

And some students were against them because of inaccurate tests. Taking aspirin or eating poppyseed muffins can register a positive on the test.

Teachers and coaches agree with the testing because of the accountability it gives contract-signers. They believe that athletes who represent the school should be positive role models, in school and in society.

Council members pointed out that athletes aren’t the only representatives of the school. They agreed that students who participate in other extracurricular activities - band, choir, drama, for instance - should be tested as well, since they already have to sign the contracts.

The contracts state that the participant in the activity will refrain from the use of illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

In the end, the council voted in favor of drug testing. But we believe the phrase “I will subject myself to a drug test” should be added to the contracts so it’s upfront what they are committing to.

So if the contracts are modified and if all people in extracurricular activities must sign them and comply, we believe drug testing - voluntary, random or for the total student body - would be fair and beneficial.

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This sidebar appeared with the story: SOME NEW VIEWS The Spokesman-Review’s Our Generation Teen Council meets monthly, debating a topic of interest to teens (drug testing was considered this month). One member then writes a commentary on the topic. We’ll present these in this space in the coming months.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Brianne Jacobs For Our Generation