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The students being targeted for random drug testing are those who participate in extracurricular activities or who drive themselves to and from school. We think this makes a lot of sense.
No one needs to be reminded of the tragedies we’ve seen across the country when steroids or other drugs have been mixed with the strong exertion associated with sports. Kids have died.
And the dangers of drugs and steering wheels being blended is so obvious as to go without saying.
As with any such issue that deals with personal privacy, there are those who will take this as a violation of the students’ rights, and as such should not be allowed to move forward.
We could not disagree more. What does an innocent student have to lose in this endeavor?
Answer: Nothing.
Conversely, what does a student stand to lose when playing the dangerous game of drug abuse?
Answer: At best, a damaged body. At worst, life itself.
Even though test results released Thursday showed only two positive readings out of the 10,117 students tested in four area high schools, we still believe that two kids diverted from a destructive path are worth it. We agree with Calhoun football coach Richard Whitaker that coaches are doing a good job of spreading a no-drug policy to the kids, but coaches cannot do it all alone.
Victoria schools Superintendent Bob Moore hit the nail on the head when he told Advocate reporter Rubi Reyes, “We have to help our students learn to make healthy choices with good moral character.”
Adolescents and teenagers don’t always know what’s best for them. We adults can attest to that, as we look back over our lives of years gone by and point to the decisions we should have made differently.
If we can save our kids some of the same regrets, isn’t it the least we can do for them?
And testing them to be sure they’re drug-free is a powerful weapon toward that end.