Student drug testing is one of the most, if not the most, controversial and debated aspect of the drug testing realm. Since the drug testing involves young adults — children in some cases — the implications are far reaching into many areas that make up the very controversy of drug testing itself:

• Emotional issues of student drug testing
• Social ramifications of who and why students are being subjected to drug testing
• Economics: Student drug testing costs tax payer’s money
• Legal impact of student drug testing: Is this type of drug testing blatantly unconstitutional and in violation of legal statutes?

Basically, the premise behind student drug testing is sound: To keep kids from using drugs. No one would argue with this, including die-hard liberals. After all, the greater majority of high school students subjected to drug testing are not old enough to even vote; hold down a steady job; or deal with the standard fare of responsibilities and life experiences found only through years of different environment stimuli. Adults, however, are able to make their own choice about whether or not they choose to use drugs as they are clearly aware of the consequences.

Unlike young students, adults are held liable for their actions, but this we already know. The point is, students, by virtue of their age, are not privy to many adult comforts. As far as drug testing is concerned, the most glaring deficit is the lack of personal freedom, rights, and due process in accordance to the United States Constitution. A student under the age of eighteen does not have the legal ability to consent to drug testing in the same vein that they cannot join the football team on their own recognizance. Rather, the parents of the student must take part in delegating some of their rights. We all grew up with this and outside of a few temper tantrums, a few lack of rights (most of which young students aren’t even aware of) are no big whoop. That is, of course, until an external force is imposed upon them. What external stressor? Student drug testing. Here’s how:

Drug testing clearly presumes guilt of illicit drug use amongst a student without reasonable cause or evidence. On paper, this is a Constitutional violation.

Student drug testing is issued on a mandatory basis. In many school areas, neither student’s nor their parents have a choice in the matter. At most, the parent may be able to opt out of the program depending upon their school district.

A positive drug testing result can warrant justified disciplinary action yet impose unnecessary emotional distress, embarrassment, and social stigma.

Student drug testing is conducted via urine drug test kits, which if visually monitored, can lead to an incredibly uncomfortable situation.

Amazingly, most student drug testing programs only drug test those who elect to participate in extra-curricular school activities. To most, this is not exactly the so-called lot of pot heads. Rather, anyone from the chess club to band to football can be subjected to random, mandatory drug testing. Period. And, these are the students who have taken it upon themselves to stay after the 3:30 bell and participate in proven activities that are healthy for the student’s physical, social and emotional improvement. What about the greater majority of students who do not participate in after-school activities?

Bottom line, is student drug testing overkill? Especially with only the extra-curricular bunch of students being drug tested instead of the entire student body or, better yet, those who are suspected of drug use? To some, yes. To other’s, not at all. The former contend a more liberal approach whereas the former feel there is no boundaries on the length’s to keep students off drugs.

We cannot decide who is right, but here are the facts. Students are abusing illegal drugs — hard, illegal drugs — in staggeringly high numbers, and they are getting hurt. Approximately three million teens tried Ecstasy at least once last year.

Let’s briefly go over these areas of concern as they pertain to student drug testing, because it’s proverbial grasp, as it were, goes alarmingly beyond the problems adults run into with drug testing. First, though, we would like to take this opportunity to express our stance.

Of most importance, we do not condone, endorse or wish to persuade illegal drug use, especially amongst minors. Other than this, we have no stance. While most of this report is editorial, we do not side with any particular group or classification. To us, the issue is one where we remain independent in our opinion. As FOX News says rather matter of fact: We report. You decide.

The emotional issues of student drug testing falls into two areas: Those who administer the drug test and why their drug testing students. Secondly, the student’s themselves, along with family, friends, and community constituents who must bare witness.