Law for Drug Testing



Law for Drug Testing

Random drug testing is no longer something just talked about. Many states are putting into effect random drug testing among students who participate in extracurricular activities. When the percent of steroid use is on the rise it becomes apparent that these random tests are desperately needed. However, the high cost of drug testing may keep the plan on hold in many states. The bottom line is that random drug testing is the best thing for everyone.[1]   Drug testing in schools across the United States is being put into action or is awaiting a signature to be approved. The actual procedures differ from school to school, and from state to state. New Jersey was the first state to have random drug testing in schools statewide. The students tested randomly are those students who take part in extracurricular activities. The tests are to minimize the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Texas, Florida, Kentucky, and parts of California have already begun to use testing, or are on their way in this rapidly growing approach to drug awareness. Illinois is another state that is making every effort it can to make their drug testing plans a reality. California also has been drug testing for the past couple years, and has a different approach to the way that testing is governed. The drug tests that are given are on a volunteer basis, along with parental consent. According to a parent of a 17-year-old attending a school in California says that the drug testing instills fear of the possibility of being caught. It is a sense of security because no parent can be completely sure of what his or her children are up to. She says it can be called to 2007 version of “just say no”. [2]  The consequences of testing positive to the random drug testing are also a practice that differs among schools and states. At the college levels the National Collegiate Athletic Association's drug testing consequences result in one-year loss of eligibility to participate in athletics. A second offense results in a permanent ban from athletics. High schools are not as hard on students and try to focus more on counseling and prevention of a more serious problem such as addiction or even death. For students participating in athletics in the states of New Jersey and Texas a first positive test results in 30 days suspension. A ...