ACLU of Virginia Sets Stage for Student Privacy Victory (3/10/2006)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: media@aclu.org
School Board Opts for Voluntary Drug Testing After Hearing Concerns of
Parents and ACLU
WILLIAMSBURG, VA - In an unexpected turn of events
this week, the Williamsburg-James City County School Board voted unanimously to
implement a voluntary student drug testing program for students in grades 6-12,
beginning with the 2006- 2007 school year. In so doing, the board rejected
a proposal to institute a mandatory random drug testing program that was
strongly opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and many
parents.
“We are pleased the school board has decided not to impose a mandatory random
drug testing program,” said Kent Willis, Executive Director of the ACLU of
Virginia. “The voluntary policy allows families, not the government, to decide
when drug testing is appropriate.”
The mandatory policy proposed by the school superintendent would have been
the most expansive in the state, requiring all high school students involved in
extracurricular activities or who use the school parking lot to be subjected to
random drug testing.
Last month in a letter sent to the Williamsburg-James City County School
Board, the ACLU urged them to reject the proposed mandatory drug testing policy
because it violates the privacy rights of students and there is no research
indicating that such programs are an effective deterrent to illegal drug use in
public schools. The letter instead recommended that the school board adopt an
“aggressive education, identification, and rehabilitation program” aimed at
reducing drug use among students.
After months of fierce public debate, including a town hall meeting at which
the ACLU spoke against mandatory drug testing, school board member Mary Ann
Maimone surprised those attending Tuesday’s meeting when she offered to make
participation in the drug testing program voluntary and open to students in both
middle and high schools.
The Williamsburg-James City County School Board will take final action on the
amended policy at its next meeting on April 4.
The ACLU’s letter to the school board is available online at: www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/testing/24702lgl20060207.html
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