Rants & Raves: Random drug tests for Beaufort County athletes
This week, readers respond to the Beaufort County School District's new policy of random drug tests for high school athletes:
It certainly sets a standard and precedence ... Although my children don't attend Beaufort (County) schools, as a parent, I wouldn't have a problem with testing. MY problem would be if my child was experimenting/using. I would be most concerned with administration's role with the confidentiality of results and course of action taken if results came back positive; let's not also forget ... preferential treatment. Charo Legados Clark
Maybe they should put the money from this gratuitous program into the actual schools so better teachers and better learning materials, etc. can be obtained. Pass rates and test scores at the high schools here are already pretty bad compared to other states' averages. But oh wait, that's too easy and makes too much sense for (the Beaufort County School District) to agree to. Ryan Ackerman
As long as there is more done than just punitive action against the student. Parental responsibility for knowing what your kid is doing cannot be ignored. Some sort of diversion efforts that parents MUST ALSO ATTEND should be a part of the drug testing program. Pat Lewis Beach
Are we talking about random drug tests for minors? No, no, no! You do not touch my child without my permission! Wendy Mayo
It's good to prepare teens for the real world by drug testing but I'm also afraid that they will foolishly put themselves in more risk of harm by finding other ways to get high or to trick the system. Will they be putting offenders in a mandatory educational program or just punish them? Tyna Graven Couch
As a former teacher for 39 years, I say YES ... If parents love and care about their children, certainly they would want to know if there is a problem. I am well aware of the popularity of marijuana, and feel it really should be legalized, BUT I have also taught classes in which a third of the students were so stoned they were "unteachable." Susan Mixson Cleveland
Playing a sport is a privilege, not a right so I think it is a great idea. Michelle Beck
A step in the right direction. Instead of getting all bent out of shape think of the positives. It's simple and if there were an issue the child could get the help he/she needed. Amanda O'Neill
As long as it's not on the field it's not any of their business. Lucy Dyer
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This story was originally published June 21, 2015 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Rants & Raves: Random drug tests for Beaufort County athletes."