LISD To Expand Random Drug Testing

Dee wrote:

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Urine tests do infact test for most of these drugs that you claim they don't. I'm not sure about "cheese", but I do know that heroine, ecstacy, and many prescription drugs will show on a urine test. Prescription drugs tested for may include benzodiazepines (ie - valium and xanax, and many other that fall into this category), codeine and other opioids (oxycontin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc). Do some research before making claims about what urine tests do and do no test for.

ecstacy, the form of pure MDMA, does not show up in urine tests. even if i did, it is cleared from the body in as little as a day.

SaveOurYOUTH wrote:

Absolutely wonderful idea! I think you those of you who oppose probably have a fear your kid will test positive. I have an At-Risk teen, no longer in school. She started using drugs with her high school softball team in Denton. Matter a fact she quit softball because they were not ethical they were pot heads. Oh, if you think you athelete, your chess player, your hard working, driving teen is not doing drugs then have no fear. If their name comes up they will test positive and move on. If you want parents to take control, make the economy eligible for parents to be more active in childrens lives rather than working 40+ hours a week so that they can have the nice clothes, nice home, nice car and sometime events the nice drugs! It's not about invading the privacy it's about protecting our kids from what can potentially be a deathly experience. Kids make money from selling drugs. The only alterantive I can see...have drug dogs at the entrances of the school every morning, at lunch and when kids attend games, dances, contest. Catch the dealer!!! If you have never been involved with an At-Risk child...don't ever think you have the control of your child or think your child would never touch drugs. It can happen even to the best and if you want to protect them, show them accoutability for having the priviledge to participate in an education without being seduced by drug predators!

btw, people don't deal at school hun.

they're kids, they're not dumbaces.

Is stupid to think they will stop to do drugs!! beer and cigarrets u can buy anywhere!!

AMEN - these people that say its a waste of money or should not be picking on kids that want to excel at sports, are the kids that are using. It's very simple stop the using, everyone is happy, parents be parents, instead of trying to be your kids best friend. I mean these kids that are using are the reason for these tests, they did not use in the first place we would not be to this point, PARENT HAVE GOT TO GROW UP, these kids have no chance until that happens. These parents should appreciate the school doing this because if the cops catch them using, they will have criminal records at least here it's kept in the school and they are being educated on the problem.

carol wrote:

I like this idea. I feel if parents were actually parenting instead of trying to build "friendships" with their children the school districts would not have to go to such drastic measures to ensure the safety and well being of all children.

If they are using yeah they are.

Robert wrote:

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btw, people don't deal at school hun.
they're kids, they're not dumbaces.

Once again, a direct invasion of privacy by the government, all in the name of a "better good". If parents don't want their kids to do drugs, then the parents need to make sure the instill those beliefs in their children, it is not the schools job to police students as if they were criminals. Children are people too, and have the same essential rights as adults. The fact that almost half a million dollars is being spent on this is a joke in itself, especially when I know several schools in LISD could use the money for educational purposes. But I guess it would be preposterous to think a school could use that money for helping educate when it could be used on the infamously disastrous "war on drugs".

As a former student of FMHS, drugs are hardly behind the scene, and most kids will still be passing the drug tests because they are probably not going to be testing for prescription drug use, which once again is a discriminatory aspect of only testing for certain drugs, giving the allusion that abuse of prescription drugs is not as severe as the use of other drugs, when often times, especially mixed with alcohol, they are more dangerous.

Drug use - although illegal, does not provide an unwarranted search (in this case a drug test) especially when its not solicited on action, but executed on an entire population of students based on extracurricular goals, and nothing else. Is it fair to subject ALL students to drug test who may play sports? Hardly. But since its children, more than likely, their rights, will continue to be trampled.

If a student involved in these activities give a reason to be tested, then test them then. At least let them mess up before you reprimand them and subject kids who never would consider doing drugs to these type of tests.

The question we really we have to ask ourselves though is, when did schools replace good parenting and police?????

Is you aren't hiding anything you got nothing to worry about, Invasion of privacy, go get a life.

Whitney wrote:

Once again, a direct invasion of privacy by the government, all in the name of a "better good". If parents don't want their kids to do drugs, then the parents need to make sure the instill those beliefs in their children, it is not the schools job to police students as if they were criminals. Children are people too, and have the same essential rights as adults. The fact that almost half a million dollars is being spent on this is a joke in itself, especially when I know several schools in LISD could use the money for educational purposes. But I guess it would be preposterous to think a school could use that money for helping educate when it could be used on the infamously disastrous "war on drugs".
As a former student of FMHS, drugs are hardly behind the scene, and most kids will still be passing the drug tests because they are probably not going to be testing for prescription drug use, which once again is a discriminatory aspect of only testing for certain drugs, giving the allusion that abuse of prescription drugs is not as severe as the use of other drugs, when often times, especially mixed with alcohol, they are more dangerous.
Drug use - although illegal, does not provide an unwarranted search (in this case a drug test) especially when its not solicited on action, but executed on an entire population of students based on extracurricular goals, and nothing else. Is it fair to subject ALL students to drug test who may play sports? Hardly. But since its children, more than likely, their rights, will continue to be trampled.
If a student involved in these activities give a reason to be tested, then test them then. At least let them mess up before you reprimand them and subject kids who never would consider doing drugs to these type of tests.
The question we really we have to ask ourselves though is, when did schools replace good parenting and police?????

Although I do agree parents need to do better parenting job, I am all for the school doing it since parents don't seem to know how to any more. Like I said earlier they should be thankful the school is policing it, because they would have criminal records if the police catch them using.

Whitney wrote:

Once again, a direct invasion of privacy by the government, all in the name of a "better good". If parents don't want their kids to do drugs, then the parents need to make sure the instill those beliefs in their children, it is not the schools job to police students as if they were criminals. Children are people too, and have the same essential rights as adults. The fact that almost half a million dollars is being spent on this is a joke in itself, especially when I know several schools in LISD could use the money for educational purposes. But I guess it would be preposterous to think a school could use that money for helping educate when it could be used on the infamously disastrous "war on drugs".
As a former student of FMHS, drugs are hardly behind the scene, and most kids will still be passing the drug tests because they are probably not going to be testing for prescription drug use, which once again is a discriminatory aspect of only testing for certain drugs, giving the allusion that abuse of prescription drugs is not as severe as the use of other drugs, when often times, especially mixed with alcohol, they are more dangerous.
Drug use - although illegal, does not provide an unwarranted search (in this case a drug test) especially when its not solicited on action, but executed on an entire population of students based on extracurricular goals, and nothing else. Is it fair to subject ALL students to drug test who may play sports? Hardly. But since its children, more than likely, their rights, will continue to be trampled.
If a student involved in these activities give a reason to be tested, then test them then. At least let them mess up before you reprimand them and subject kids who never would consider doing drugs to these type of tests.
The question we really we have to ask ourselves though is, when did schools replace good parenting and police?????

I guess people really dont care about human rights anymore, its more about being RIGHT or being WRONG. Pathetic.
And the "if you aren't hiding anything" argument is so contrite and used up it hardly works an acceptable excuse, so I dont think I have to even begin refuting that part of your comment.
The point is, that as americans, we have a right to privacy, and it should not be invaded because parents are failing to do their jobs.
But I am sure people who support this, also support the patriot act, because, its okay to give up your rights, that so many FOUGHT and DIED for, for a theoretical peace of mind.

As i said I am not arguing that I think parents should do better jobs raising their kids, I 100% agree with you. But you need to remember it is these people you can thank for your "human right" as you call it being stripped away, if they abuse the freedom that this country has granted them, then why should the country honer it's commitment? I mean it works both way, people that want these human rights want a one way streak and think the country owes them everything, well BULL. These people and even you can agree with me here, these parents that don't care about their kids using drug, or don't even know where there kids are, I mean if all of these were doing their jobs right, we would have less drug usage, less crimes, and less of a whole lot of other bad stuff. I am one for human right and yes even privacy, but I recognize people abusing this freedom and unfortunately we have to pay.

Whitney wrote:

I guess people really dont care about human rights anymore, its more about being RIGHT or being WRONG. Pathetic.
And the "if you aren't hiding anything" argument is so contrite and used up it hardly works an acceptable excuse, so I dont think I have to even begin refuting that part of your comment.
The point is, that as americans, we have a right to privacy, and it should not be invaded because parents are failing to do their jobs.
But I am sure people who support this, also support the patriot act, because, its okay to give up your rights, that so many FOUGHT and DIED for, for a theoretical peace of mind.

Scott wrote:

If they are using yeah they are.
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ok, but the second they start putting drug dogs at the front doors, they'll find a way to get around it.

people at my school don't deal cause the dogs visit frequently, this doesn't cut down on any drug use.

Scott wrote:

Is you aren't hiding anything you got nothing to worry about, Invasion of privacy, go get a life.
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even if you do have something to hide, it's an invasion of privacy. nothing would be private if people didn't have things to hide.

Then that is a problem you have. Invasion of privacy I have no sympathy for. Police can come in to my house any time. i have nothing to hide. People hide behind this invasion of privacy act, again abusing a law that this country allows. You abuse it, I think invasion of privacy is out the window, it's time people grew up and started taking responsibility for their own actions.

Robert wrote:

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even if you do have something to hide, it's an invasion of privacy. nothing would be private if people didn't have things to hide.

Do you not realize that RIGHTS apply to everyone, thats what makes America, America. Its the very fact that a murderer, a rapists, a drug offender has the same rights we have that makes america everything that it is. Do you not realize rights aren't to protect the norm, but rather what people disagree with, or don't like. If it weren't for those rights, which are already trampled on, I can not imagine how this country would be, other than people pointing fingers and bringing up religious morals.

And its so funny to me, all these people who are against the "Big Brother" governments, and who would allow the government to keep tabs on their kids, justified or not, are often the same people who say the government would be incompetent at socialized health care and say it would cost too much to do.(not saying you scott, I have no idea how you feel about that) But drug testing is EXPENSIVE - and before I see our government conducting illegal, blanket drug testing of students - I would like to see them guarantee that all children will have access to health care.

But I guess thats where I miss the boat on being "American" - I would rather try to heal people, take care of people, give people options - rather than try to punish, punish, punish.

And if these schools want to drug test, then let the parents organization at that school pay for it, it shouldn't be the governments job to baby sit these kids, only educate them. And I most certainly hope these little suburban rich schools who try to act like this test - which students will be forewarned on, so most likely all pass - will end drug use, also test for steroids, because let me tell you, its the rich white kids at school who are affording anabolic steroids, which is VERY common in affluent high school areas! But they wouldn't do that - it might affect their football ranking!

Whitney, I am not saying you should not have rights, by all means have rights, but when people start hiding behind those rights to protect those that are abusing the freedom of this country, then in my opinion rights should be out the window, especially when in this case is designed to help the kids, not punish them, I mean is sending them to drug education classes when they get caught really a bad thing. As for taking them of their sporting events, I still see as helping them rather than punishing, drugs do things to your systems, the human body was not designed to take such drugs. Combine a already rapid heart rate that is done by drugs and add that to heart rate of a strenuous sporting activity, it can't be good for you, even you have to admit that. So i do not see this as a punishment, I see this as trying to help kids A) be serious with there schooling and B) Maybe help them survive a few more years than what they might.
I do not expect you or anyone to agree, this is my opinion. I respect your argument and fully understand it, but i am all for helping these kids that obviously right now think they are invincible, or just simply don't care. I think that is a right that these kids should have as a top priority. Remember if the cops were to catch these kids using they will have criminal records, the school is trying to help them by educating them, and if only one student listens, then it is one more person that might survive and teach there kids to keep away from drugs in school, that is worth it than all the rights that this country gives.

Whitney wrote:

Do you not realize that RIGHTS apply to everyone, thats what makes America, America. Its the very fact that a murderer, a rapists, a drug offender has the same rights we have that makes america everything that it is. Do you not realize rights aren't to protect the norm, but rather what people disagree with, or don't like. If it weren't for those rights, which are already trampled on, I can not imagine how this country would be, other than people pointing fingers and bringing up religious morals.
And its so funny to me, all these people who are against the "Big Brother" governments, and who would allow the government to keep tabs on their kids, justified or not, are often the same people who say the government would be incompetent at socialized health care and say it would cost too much to do.(not saying you scott, I have no idea how you feel about that) But drug testing is EXPENSIVE - and before I see our government conducting illegal, blanket drug testing of students - I would like to see them guarantee that all children will have access to health care.
But I guess thats where I miss the boat on being "American" - I would rather try to heal people, take care of people, give people options - rather than try to punish, punish, punish.
And if these schools want to drug test, then let the parents organization at that school pay for it, it shouldn't be the governments job to baby sit these kids, only educate them. And I most certainly hope these little suburban rich schools who try to act like this test - which students will be forewarned on, so most likely all pass - will end drug use, also test for steroids, because let me tell you, its the rich white kids at school who are affording anabolic steroids, which is VERY common in affluent high school areas! But they wouldn't do that - it might affect their football ranking!

haha scott, you're so naive.

Kids under 18 don't have rights.. want to prove me wrong? If you're 17 go to a car dealership and try to enter into a contract to purchase a car BY YOURSELF.. no co-signers.

Try to enter into any legal contract.

You can't, cause you're a kid bonehead. And you have no rights.

So, shut up and crack those books punks.

I'm sure this isn't just some last minute, spur of the moment decision to begin randomly testing the students. They've obviously had too many issues in the recent past involving students and drugs, and now they've decided to do this. I remember when I was in highschool, before we walked through the door at our senior prom we had to take a breath test to ensure some of us hadn't been drinking beforehand. It wasn't a spur of the moment thing either. For the past several years before they started doing that, there were too many instances of students arriving at prom drunk. And just as it is most likely here, the only students throwing a fit about it were the ones everyone knew were the students who regularly got hammered every chance they got. They screamed about rights and privacy also, and they ended up just not coming to prom to "protest" the breath test. I personally didn't care about their "protest", but I did enjoy a sober senior prom without a bunch of drunk MFers causing problems.

I'm sure some of you so adamantly against it will call me a sheep or naive, and I really don't care.

The public school system has much more things to worry about. How about teaching our kids more than how to take the stupid TAKS test.

Unfortunately, sports rule the roost..that is how most of these schools get $$. Is it right? NO...but it is the way it is and unless the chess club can pack the local stadium, sports will rule.

Lets look at what sparked this all...steroids...and the lack of education about steroids.(I will save my pro-steroid rant for another thread). Kids under 18 have enough testosterone in their bodies...they don't need more. But in order to be "fair" they have to test everyone who is in an extracirricular activity. And we all know that this will not improve a thing. Kids have been getting high and doing drugs since the 1930's and will find new and improved ways or getting high. This is a big waste of money...

Jiggy Who wrote:

Kids under 18 don't have rights.. want to prove me wrong? If you're 17 go to a car dealership and try to enter into a contract to purchase a car BY YOURSELF.. no co-signers.
Try to enter into any legal contract.
You can't, cause you're a kid bonehead. And you have no rights.
So, shut up and crack those books punks.

What an ignorant statement - ask any lawyer - a child has RIGHTS. Do they have the right to enter in a legally binding contract without a guardian? NO. But that is completely different than the rights provided to us by the the bill of rights.