Mixed Opinions About Drug Testing

The Aurora City Schools Administration is looking to begin random drug testing on students in August of the 2018 school year.

Opinions on the matter have students split. Some argue that it is for the best, and while a slight inconvenience, it is worth it in the long run for the safety of our students. Typically, those opposed claim an invasion of privacy and infringement upon one’s personal rights. To this point, junior Rebeca Munoz says, “Just because It’s constitutional doesn’t make it right.”

The administration has drafted a policy implementation plan which you can find on the school’s main website page. A forum is being held on Wednesday the 28th for students, parents, community members, and the board for the community to voice their opinions on the topic.

A common argument against the drug testing is its bias against students. They find an issue with the fact that the faculty and staff won’t be tested as well.

Students are eligible if they participate in extracurricular activities, play sports, or own a parking pass. To this point senior Sydney McDowell says, “I’m for the school drug testing for extracurricular activities, I think that it is necessary. I do not think it is necessary to test clubs and for parking passes.”

Many students feel that if they are going to be tested against their will and have their privacy invaded, teachers should as well.

Junior Kyle Obly said, “There’s a fine line between privacy and safety, I feel like they might be slightly overstepping that boundary.”

Senior Eve Murray says, “It’s going about solving the issue the wrong way. Rather than educating more about the effects of drugs, the testing is simply a scare tactic.”

Some students don’t mind the testing though, to get into the minds of some of the testing supporters, I interviewed a few students.

Senior MeriClare Honsaker said, “If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about.”

The consequences of a positive test increase with each offense. After the first violation, students receive a suspension from their activity for 25% of the season and are required to go to a counselor and heed the instructions of the counselor, funded by the family of the user. He is also subject to random testing throughout the remaining duration of the season, and must forfeit all leadership roles.

Many students have concerns about the rehabilitation aspect of the consequences. Since the families are required to pay for it, some problems may arise. If a student is caught and his family is unable to pay for the rehab, what happens then?

Senior Avery McMaster speaks to this, “Although I agree with a drug test, the policy drafted by this committee is a violation of student rights, costly to the taxpayer and families with students who test positive, and also effective at solving what the drug tests intend to. I would much rather spend the tax dollars on an extensive upgrade of our school’s security against an armed shooter.”

If interested in the topic, students and community members alike can attend the forum on the 28th to speak their voices.