Student Drug Testing Not Just for Athletes
Student Drug Testing Not Just for Athletes Save Email Print
Posted: 8:42 PM Aug 26, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:42 PM Aug 26, 2008
 Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com
30 comments
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CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Next year, Cabell County schools will begin mandatory drug testing for many of its middle school students.

This year, it’s the Cabell County high school students who must consent to a drug test, or forget about playing football, cheerleading, or driving a car to school.

Inside Cabell Midland High School Tuesday, parking permits were only issued to students who have filled out a drug testing consent form.

Todd Alexander, the Cabell school system administrator in charge of drug testing, said every fall sports participant and extra curricular activity student has signed the mandatory consent form.

“We’ve checked the kids who played last year and are back, 100% compliance,” Alexander said.

Alexander said the actual testing of the 1,500 Cabell students will start in the next two weeks.

A computer will randomly pick up to 20 students at a time.

The drug tests including tests for illegal steroids will run weekly or biweekly.

Alexander said about half of the pool will be tested this year, so the student threat of drug testing looms as large as the test itself.

Alexander said the most important thing parents need to know about the drug testing policy; first time offenders face treatment and counseling options before suspension or expulsion

“We're not big brother; this is a tool for parents and may open some eyes. It’s not a punitive program, unless the student gets out of control,” Alexander said.

The Huntington High session comes up on Tuesday September 2nd at 6 p.m. at the highlanders’ auditorium.

The Cabell Midland meeting is set for Thursday September 4th at 6 p.m. at the knights’ auditorium.

The meetings are mandatory for any high school student who drives to school or plays sports and has not signed a consent form.
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Posted by: dennis on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
My only question is who will administer these tests, because from what i read it stated that our children had to pull there pants down and urinate in a cup in front of an adult. This bothers me for the simple fact of not knowing who will be seeing my child naked. there are perverts that work in the school system as well,whos going to be responsible if one of these children are touched during your so called drug test?
Posted by: To CM.. on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Sounds like you are an irate druggie.Go get your fix,and calm down.This really must of hit a nerve with you.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 06:57 AM
I WORK IN A MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL.YOU WOULD BE SHOCKED AT THE NUMBER OF YOUR CHILDREN WHO ARE USING...HOW MANY ARE SEXUALLY ACTIVE...HOW MANY ARE DRINKERS...I THINK IT SHOULD BE MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF ALIKE TO BE TESTED!!WE HAD A STUDENT SEVERAL YEARS AGO THAT SNORTED POWDER FROM A FLORESENT LIGHT BULB BECAUSE SOME OF HER FRIENDS THOUGHT IT WOULD BE COOL,WHAT IF THIS HAD BEEN YOUR CHILD? WOULD IT BE AGAINST OUR RIGHTS THEN?DON'T BE TOO QUICK TO SAY YOUR CHILD WOULDN'T....BECAUSE THEY JUST MIGHT BE
Posted by: Simon on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:23 AM
Jason, an athlete can die under the influence of certain drugs such as stimulants. Speeds up the heart too much and leads to cardiac arrest. That is why they are tested. Pot would not have this effect, but could make them dearly crave Jolly Pirate. Wonder why the cops like donuts so much and have beer bellies?
Posted by: jim on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Honestly, look at the consequences here. Anyone that does drugs will simply choose to not take the drug tests and ride with someone else to school. What's the school going to do then? nothing because they can't. But I do agree with other here that say the teachers need tested. We are paying these people to teach our kids and if they do drugs themselves what kind of example does that set
Posted by: cm on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:39 PM
to hmmm, you are a nazi! pot smoking isnt the problem its people like you that is the problem. this is to supposed to be a free country what the hell happened to you people. they shouldnt be tested unless they give reason to be tested. that includes the students.RAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: nothing on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:01 PM
they are doing drug test on the students what bout the teachers are they gonna have to take them as well
Posted by: Jeannie on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:05 PM
This is a horrible idea. This is very much a Big Brother type of action. Augusto Pinochet also said to the people of Argentina,"If you have nothing to hide, then why are you protesting." He was talking about illegal wiretaps and spying on the country's citizens who were not criminals. Thousands disappeared, tortured and murdered by their government. The government alleged they were trying to protect their country from communists, justifying their intrusive methods. I don't suppose you think this can happen here. Currently, my own government can do wiretaps on my phone and ask my employer for personal information. I have no right to be notified of these intrusions. Our freedoms are disappearing with full support of our citizens, all done in the name of protecting me from terrorists. Bull!! Most of these laws preventing wiretaps without probable cause came about because Nixon was abusing his authority. Government now has more authority than prior to Nixon. My freedom is disappearing...
Posted by: Jason on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Why is everyone so afraid of drugs? Most people drink alcohol on this panel, if I had to guess. Alcohol is a drug as well and a very prolific one. You will not stop it, if anything, you put a value on its use(i.e. prohibition). Let people use drugs, they already do(prescription). I never understood why athletes had to take a drug test on any level. However, I do understand testing for steroids and the such. Parents want someone else to take care of their kids, and government is often too happy to take more civil liberties away and oblige the community. Grow up people, the problems plaguing society will never change no matter how much you legislate.
Posted by: hmmmm on Aug 27, 2008 at 04:20 PM
I think this is a great idea.I also think it should apply to the teachers as well.I know a few teachers who are closet pot smokers.I say test them too.
Posted by: Just Me on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:04 PM
I think this is great! My only question is, why is the band exempt. Regardless of what folks think, band members are athletes as well, they work hard and spend long exhausting days in the heat marching and carrying sometimes large heavy instruments. They represent our schools and travel to more schools and other locations than any other student in an extra curricular activity. I also feel strongly that staff should be tested as well, if not before any student. They have our children for the better part of each day. It frightens me that in recent years the number of teachers and principles have have been arrested for drugs. Even if just one (and it's been more than that) is too many! Those that do drugs, in my opinion, have forfeited their rights to "freedom" or "privacy". Those of us who don't do drugs have nothing to hide so I am more than happy to submit to drug screens and have. I never once felt that my rights had been infringed upon.
Posted by: Chewy on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Who cares what it cost to drug test the students. Statistics show that the vast majority of adult drug addicts began experimenting as a teenager. I'm sure what ever the cost is, it will be much less on tax payers than it will be to support drug addicts later on. This potentially could keep kids from later on from throwing their lives away by being unemployed thieves, and crowding the prison system.
Posted by: jd on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:28 AM
this is a direct invasion of privacy!! who owns you?? the school certainly doesnt. it may sound like a good idea to a communist or someone who has forgotten the value of freedom, but its not good for any country. we are only 1 of 3 countries in the world who subject their employees to drug testing. in most countries this is an invasion of privacy. its not their responsibility what you do at home, and mostly none of their business. they grade you on performance, not your thc levels. these children will grow up and think its ok to do to the next generation. if this involved my children i would certainly be outraged. i personally educated my children on drugs, and i would encourage you to do the same. they will make their own choices in the end, but its important for the parents to educate them at an early age, def before middle school. most of you have fallen victim to the govts anti-drug ads. check out the ACLU page and see what they say about drug testing if u want facts.
Posted by: JOHN on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:56 AM
What about the teachers ? Yes some of them are users too !
Posted by: chuck on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:48 AM
i am sorry that all of you students who drive to school are suspected drug users,maby the state can include how to study for the test in the license manuel i thought the state gave the primission to drive not the local spend and waste board
Posted by: Amy-Put. Co. parent on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:44 AM
I've had mixed feeling about this issue since I 1st heard about it. Ideally, the parents should KNOW what their children are doing; however, no matter what ANYONE says, you can't be w/ your kid EVERY single sec., esp. when this stuff is going on at school. W/ kids getting involved w/ illegal activity earlier and earlier, SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. Everyone COMPLAINS about the "drug problem" yet people don't really want to help solve/control it. At this time, I would be in favor of the drug testing. I do feel, that, ALL students and ALL staff be tested.
Posted by: A mom on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:06 AM
solution is simple kids! DON'T DO DRUGS!!!!! THEN you have nothing to worry about!
Posted by: joe on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Agree that staff needs tested,too. Our children had a principal in elementary school who preached drug free schools. Lo and behold on the morning news one day,there he was along with his wife being arrested for growing pot. Said it was for personal use,but too many plants for that. It was for selling. Another example of do as I say,not as I do?
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:52 AM
drug test people on welfare!!!
Posted by: Gonzo on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:11 AM
I agree if the students have to be tested then why not test staff? A teacher that is high on medication teaching class is just like saying I'm above the law.."JIM" said something about Obesity...Obesity is the next worse thing in line of drugs..drugs and Obesity have the same effects..self pitty doubt, low self esteem,loss of motor skills, and not to mention..not being able to take care of yourself..Freedom is something we work fight for but at what expense..just so people can be overhweight and high on drugs..I think not..I'm an ex Marine and I think it's a pitty for some of the stuff we fight for..I love my country but Fat people and drugs are all the same..
Posted by: amazed on Aug 27, 2008 at 04:18 AM
It constantly amazes me that people continue to wear blinders about the drug problems that face us on a daily basis. It appears that the only thing of importance is "freedom". I value freedom just like anyone else, but I also realize the reality of what is happening in our society because of drug use. I work in a drug treatment facility and "most" of the individuals admit they began using at very early ages (middle school and high school). We as a society "talk" about how bad the drug problem is, but yet we don't want to accept responsibility for why it is this bad.
Posted by: skip on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:56 AM
The goverment should check all citzens for drugs.we need more control and less freedom.we need a law that everyone should go to church,boys should have short hair and girls long,plus everyone must work.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:58 PM
I completely agree there should be drug testing for the staff as well!!
Posted by: jim on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Dear lord what is this world coming to? it may sound like a good idea but come on, what happened to our freedom's. Some states are even fining people monthly for being over weight. what's next, ban alcohol? come on it's called "FREEDOM".
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:42 PM
yes when are they going to drug test the staff? and you do know who you are why not get help for doing the drugs give our kids a drug free school
Posted by: Donna-Mason County on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Thats a great idea...but it should be mandatory for staff to be drug tested too
Posted by: They Suck on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:19 PM
So who pays for this? The school needs to worry more about providing an education to special needs kids. They always say there isn't money for them but yet there is money for sports programs? The drug testing falls under sports and of course that is high priority!!
Posted by: Brian on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Who is responsible for paying for all of the children to be tested? Will this take away from any existing programs & their funding? I see the school board having a special tax/levy on the ballot so the citizens of the county to get stuck paying for this. I have no kids in the county system, but I see me having to help pay for this down the road.
Posted by: Chewy on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Great Idea!!! I wish all schools would have the same policy in place. I'm sure many kids would be deterred from beginning the use of drugs knowing what the outcome could be.
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