Mandatory Drug Testing in School

To Test or Not to Test:

Should There Be Mandatory Drug Testing In Our Public Schools?

Learning Team B

Dominque Jackson, Juanita Dean
Elizabeth C. Malloy and Kimberly Haines

BCOM/275 Business Communication and Critical Thinking

April 8, 2015

Joseph Brennan

Debate Summary

Over the course of the next three (3) weeks Team B will explore the topic of whether or not our public schools should require students to undergo mandatory random drug testing.  Below we discuss our rationale for selecting same.

Our Inspiration

Dominique:  This topic was the inspiration of a TV Show called First Take, hosted by Stephen A Smith.  Mr. Smith was talking about student athletes getting caught smoking marijuana. He also discussed how one athlete in particular was being drug tested because of his past issues with drugs. It made me think about the states who have legalize marijuana. For example, Washington and Colorado have now legalized marijuana. Just last year, Philadelphia relaxed the penalties and fines for being caught with marijuana.  By doing so, has the wrong message been sent to our students? Are they being given the wrong impression that some drugs are ok?   Are lawmakers telling our children that it’s okay to smoke marijuana?  A number of schools are located in high drug infested neighborhoods. These students are more likely to get involved with drugs because of their surroundings and sphere of influence. Would mandatory random drug testing in these school serve as a way to deter students from using drugs? What is the legal ramifications of such testing?  More importantly, is it ethical?  These are questions that we are hoping to explore further in our research and subsequent assignments.  

Team Members Perspective

Juanita:  From a parent’s perspective. I feel that the subject of mandatory random drug testing is a very important issue. Personally I wish this topic had been addressed when my son was in school.  I believe that if mandatory random testing was to be implemented in our public schools, it could help educators: (1) to identify the students that are on drugs; help to put them in touch with rehabilitative resources; and (3) potentially deter other students form wanting to get involved with drugs.

Kim:  I was interested in this subject of drug testing in schools because I have a 14 year old daughter and as a parent I am always concerned about her welfare. I came across an article that stated, that while the use of cigarettes and alcohol among middle and high school students are particularly at their lowest for the last couple of years, marijuana use seems to be at an alarming high, along with prescription drugs, and non-cigarette tobacco products (e.g. hookahs, smokeless tobacco). (Johnston et al, 2011).  As a parent, this is alarming.