Should High School Athletes Be Subjected To Taking Drug Tests?
Drug testing of HS athletes is a topic of controversy. In 2002, by a margin of 5 to 4, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Board of Education of Pottawatomie v. Earls, permitted public school districts to drug test students participating in competitive, extracurricular activities. Some people believe this violates the fourth amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures and therefore should not be permitted. They also believe that all activities should be tested. Those who support testing believe that it is likely to reduce drug taking, deter use, provide proof where use is suspected, assist former users to remain abstinent, reassure parents that “something is being done” and act as final proof when expulsion is being considered.