Random drug testing in schools is a topic that has been debated at length. In the case Board of Education v. Pottawatomie, parents fought against the school's right to drug-test students because they felt it violated fourth-amendment rights. Many schools try to impose drug testing because they feel the benefits outweigh the risks.
Prevention of Drug Use
The primary reason that school officials and some parents fight for random drug testing is that the threat of being tested for drugs at any time will deter students from using any illicit drugs.
Safety
The issue of safety when extracurricular activities occur is another benefit of having mandatory drug testing. Students who partake in sports events may have impaired judgment, which can hinder their performance or pose a risk to not only themselves but the other individuals playing the sport as well.
Curb Future Behavior
Random drug testing identifies students who are currently abusing illicit drugs, whether they are using prescription drugs not for them or illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin or methamphetamine. The logic behind early detection is intervention. If students have a problem with drug use, they can receive proper intervention to avoid future problems and possibly stop all drug use.
Declining Academic Performance
A report by Judy Kreamer, Gary M. Fields, et al, identified that one of the reasons that academic performance was declining was due to frequent drug use. Curbing drug use by testing may increase the performance of students all over the country.
Tags: drug testing, because they, illicit drugs, Random drug
