DON'T DRUG TEST STUDENT GROUPS

On the surface, it would seem that drug testing students in our
schools is a good thing designed to curtail a bad habit while a
person is young enough to conquer an addiction.

School staffers who are working on a proposal for such testing should
be commended for their efforts but we can't blame some school board
members for being concerned. Attention should be focused on known
drug abusers and prevention programs rather than singling out student
athletes and those who drive to school.

The school board, however, is on firm constitutional ground when it
seeks to test prospective school employees. Why that hasn't been done
already is puzzling, especially because all of our schools are
designated drug-free work places.

A story in this newspaper Thursday pointed out that those waiting to
work in the school district were pleased drug tests weren't being
required of them.

"Some people have actually said to us, 'We're glad you're not doing
drug tests,'" Gwen Gideon, schools recruitment and personnel
retention coordinator, told board members at a workshop Tuesday afternoon.

Many businesses and large corporations routinely require drug tests
of new employees and our school district should rush to do this as
soon as possible.

As to testing certain student groups, that is a different matter.
Even though Hernando County does less to curtail drug use than most
other Florida counties, culling out those who drive, cheerleaders and
student athletes for a one-time drug test is not only discriminating
but also raises constitutional issues the school board would be well
advised to stay away from.

Giving counsel and help to those who are known drug abusers along
with hard-hitting preventive programs makes more sense.