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Dangling Participles

July 15, 2008

Random testing ban: Does it serve troubled youth?

Posted at 7:55 pm by John Sleeper

I was disappointed that the Washington State Supreme Court effectively ended the program at Lake Stevens High School in which athletes and others involved in extracurricular activities were subject to random drug testing, I wrote a column to that effect for Wednesday's paper.

The court ruled the practice unconstitutional. I'm no attorney, but I think the ruling is unfortunate.

As I wrote, I understand the reason. I just don't agree. Drugs and alcohol still are fairly rampant among teens. I tend to be a bit of a fascist where it concerns that issue. I've seen too much of the results. Addiction. Death. Permanent injury.

I recognize the invasive nature of random testing. I also see the positives.

The school still can test those who volunteer and whose parents approve, but I think we can all predict the problems there. I'm hoping drug education will help.

But it's not the same as random testing.

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