As your kids are preparing to start high school, there is a plethora of decisions they have to make. And if they’re planning to get into sports, clubs, band and other extracurricular activities, there is a decision you are making too – to allow them to be drug tested. It’s a policy that is regularly debated and often confusing.
Technically, random drug testing is not permitted in public schools, according to the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but has been used since the 1980s. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the justification for such a “search and seizure” must be obvious, compelling and related to a sound and constitutionally acceptable justification.
Drug testing pros and cons
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) explains that those in favor of in-school random drug testing believe that it promotes a safe and drug-free environment, and that schools can more easily identify students at risk and provide early intervention. Those opposed to these programs are concerned about privacy and claim that a drug test is invasive and encroaches upon students’ personal lives.
A recent discussion on the Sylvania Parents/Taxpayers Facebook page reflected similar pros and cons:
“It’s none of the school’s business. They are not the parents and are overstepping.”
“I always like this because it gives kids an out if they are being pressured to experiment.”
“Random testing is a good thing. It should include all students as well as faculty and employees.”
“This may save kids’ lives.”
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Non-punitive testing policy in area schools
Sylvania Schools’ Random Student Drug Testing Policy was adopted in 2018 and was based on research with other districts in the area that had already implemented similar policies, according to Tim Zieroff, Assistant Superintendent.
“The policy is not intended to be punitive, but rather to connect students with professional assistance when needed,” he said. “The intent is to provide students with a way to opt out of engaging in alcohol or drug abuse.”
Sylvania’s policy covers students in grades 9–12 who participate in athletics, extracurricular activities and co-curricular activities or performance assignments (such as club members, student drivers, school dance attendees), along with students who, with consent from their parents, volunteer to be tested.
The Sylvania policy states that it is non punitive with regard to academics, and no student will be suspended or expelled from school or penalized academically. And results of the tests are not to be documented in the student’s academic records.
Random drug testing programs are also in place throughout the region, including in Toledo Public Schools, Maumee City Schools, Perrysburg Schools, Anthony Wayne Local Schools and Springfield High School, among others. Most programs cover high school students only, but some do include 7th and 8th grade students.
Students and their parents or legal guardians must sign a consent agreement in order to participate in any of these programs; most agreements are signed prior to the school year. Parents should review any policies to understand what student activities are included in the testing programs. And while students can opt out of the testing program, it may affect their eligibility for the programs in which they’re involved.
“Overall, the policy has been well received,” said Sylvania’s Zieroff. “High school students must opt-in at the beginning of the year if they wish to participate in the covered activities. Over the years, very few students have chosen not to sign the consent form.”
