A school district in Nebraska recently decided that this year, it would conduct randomized drug tests on students participating in extracurricular activities. While some parents have supported this new policy, others have voiced opposition to it. In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled that such tests did not violate the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, as the response to the Nebraska district shows, this continues to be a contentious issue. Should drugs be allowed to conduct random drug tests on students participating in extracurricular activities? 

 Those who argue that schools should be allowed to conduct random drug tests on students participating in extracurricular activities argue that doing so is important for keeping discipline and preventing crime on school grounds. They claim that middle and high school students are especially susceptible to using drugs, and that schools have a responsibility to keep illicit substances off school grounds. They may also argue this testing is especially important for preventing student athletes from using drugs that could harm them when they are competing in sports. 

Those who argue that schools should not be allowed to randomly drug test students participating in extracurricular activities contend that doing so is a violation of the right to privacy. They claim that the Fourth Amendment was designed to protect individuals from government overreach—in this case, the school. They may also argue that random drug tests won’t actually deter drug use, and that instead the school should use other measures like counseling for students. 

So, what do you think? Should Schools be Allowed to Randomly Drug Test Students Participating in Extracurricular Activities? Students can answer Yes, they should; No, they should not; or a nuanced answer in between! Be sure to submit your answers by September 21st to be considered for this week’s contest. 

Note: Ideal Think the Vote responses include the following:      

• Address the question asked in a thoughtful and meaningful manner     
• Use cited facts and constitutional arguments when appropriate to support their answers      
• Are expressed in cohesive sentences and are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors      
• They address counterarguments and opposing concerns in a respectful manner      
• They organize their answer in a manner that flows logically and reads clearly