NCJ Number
173593
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 84 (May 1998) Issue: Dated: Pages: 42-44
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes Indiana schools' efforts to expand drug testing of students.
Abstract
The article describes efforts by Indiana schools to make successfully passing a test for drugs, alcohol and tobacco a prerequisite for admission to extracurricular activities. Although a positive test cannot bar a student's readmission to school after expulsion, at least one school sought a drug test for a student who had been suspended for fighting. The Supreme Court does allow searches of students, including drug tests, if school officials have a "reasonable suspicion" of wrongdoing. The student in question had never been involved in a fight and there were no signs he had been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He has brought suit challenging his suspension. Two school programs requiring drug tests are now before the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals based in Chicago, as more and more public school districts are seeing how far they can stretch a 1995 US Supreme Court ruling that allowed random testing of student athletes, even with no suspicion of drug use.