ACLU Asks Kanawha County to Carefully Consider New Drug Testing Policy
ACLU Asks Kanawha County to Carefully Consider New Drug Testing Policy Save Email Print
Posted: 5:38 PM Dec 4, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:41 AM Dec 5, 2008
 Reporter: Kallie Cart
Email Address: kallie.cart@wsaz.com
21 comments
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A representative from the American Civil Liberties Union asked Kanawha County Commissioners to carefully consider expanding their random drug testing policy Thursday night.

The county's current policy randomly drug tests employees of Metro 911 and the sheriff's department among others. The Commissioners voted unanimously to have their attorney look into expanding the policy to include more county employees. A representative with the ACLU told the commissioners that litigation could be costly and reminded them of the current lawsuit filed against Kanawha County Schools.

The Kanawha County Board of Education recently voted in favor of random drug testing. A local teacher's union has sued to stop it.

The Commissioners also unanimously voted to support the school board's random drug testing policy.

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Posted by: BillB on Dec 6, 2008 at 05:18 PM
To the one people who think drug testing is wrong: I drive an eightteen wheeler and I am subjected to ramdon drug test at any time in any state. It don't bother me and I am glad they test truck drivers. But are you telling me they are taking my freedom? If they are that is ok with me.
Posted by: You asked for it on Dec 6, 2008 at 12:03 PM
To all teachers and county workers you did not raise this much of a fuss when testing kids was brought up, matter of fact most of u backed it claiming safety reasons for yourselves from drug crazed students well now that the shoe is on the other foot u want to cry foul well ur rights are no more impertant than that of our childrens so get over it if u dont like it then quit.Seee you should have seen the writing on the wall but in ur rush to feel superior to students u over looked the evident.So u have a few options pee in the cup,dont pee in the cup and suffer the outcome,or fight to outlaw drug testing for anyone,or fight to legalize drugs then there will be no call for testing so pick the one u like and move on but just remeber a positive test may lead to a posession charge then you wont be able to teach at all just like a posession charge denies our kids any opportunity of financial aid to extend their education see it says all men created equal not teachers exempt
Posted by: Randy on Dec 5, 2008 at 02:57 PM
This is a waste of money and a severe invasion of privacy.
Posted by: Sarah on Dec 5, 2008 at 11:37 AM
To Rob... In my workplace, we are drug tested at random. Do I have a problem with this. NO. I have nothing to hide. Would you want police or ems coming to your need stoned? NO. I don't want someone teaching my child stoned either.
Posted by: Eli on Dec 5, 2008 at 11:11 AM
One of the reasons this country was founded was to keep bueracracy out of your home and private life. I don't want anyone telling me how to live my life. If the janitor at the school smokes weed at home but does a great job cleaning at work, then you should leave him alone. If someone has an apparent problem with drugs or alchohol, then deal with that. STAY OUT OF OTHER PEOPLES BUSINESS!!!
Posted by: steven on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:57 AM
People always come up with the comment "if you have nothing to hide then whats the big deal?" The big deal comes down to privacy and freedom. People should not be analyzing other peoples blood and urine to see what their out of work lifestyle is. I'm glad the ACLU is getting involved in this. It is a civil rights issue. The religious fanatics are basically trying to turn our free country into a religious state. Im a huge believer in God, but im also a huge believer in freedom. Do yourselves a favor and mind your own business when it comes to other peoples private lives, and stop trying to go thru their urine! Btw, drug testing kids in school is a very bad idea also. What kind of image does this give to children in America? It certainly doesnt give the impression of freedom. We are headed in the wrong direction. Heres to hoping for a resurgence in civil rights the next four years.
Posted by: Teacher from Kentucky on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:49 AM
To Rob, If you are not doing anything wrong then you should not care to be drug tested, as a parent and grandparent, I don't want someone who is taking drugs whether they are illegal or if they are doing more than they are should be taking, teaching my child or grandchild. You shouldn't either
Posted by: A concerned parent on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:35 AM
What are teachers trying to hide?? If a child drives to school or play sports they are subject to drug testing. Kanawha County teachers should be ashamed of themselves. Instead of protesting drug testing they should be setting an example for their students. If you are a teacher and taking illegal drugs, you have no business teaching our children. Take the test and get get over it.
Posted by: Teacher on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Personally, I am offended by all of this. I have given 29 years of my life to the school system and to children. What else will be next? How often do we go to church? What kind of house do we own? What kind of vehicle do we drive? Lets drug test ALL parents, too while we are at it.
Posted by: What A Waste on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:21 AM
To those who have posted a complaint with "rules". We start out in this life as a toddler having rules and the older you get the more you will have. Get over it!!! This is a complete waste of taxpayers money for a bunch of whining teachers. If you have no issues then pee in a cup!!! why should you be any different than anyone else? Get off your high horses and quit being a waste of taxpayers money!!!!!!
Posted by: beth on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Rob, if there is actually ever a time when there is some policy put out there that really would harm or infringe on someone's privacy then I'm sure people would stand up against it. But why make a statement now at the expense of these kids? Do the drug testing now...because let's face it, it is needed, and then when something else comes up, fight it at that time. And also, if the kids can be random drug tested, why can't the teachers? I too believe it is discrimination at it's worse. It says ok kids, we own you now do as we say only for a few year, but then when you are an adult, cry to the ACLU so you don't have to be held accountable for anything. ACLU really should just say what they are,ALL COWARDS LIKE US.
Posted by: Union Rep on Dec 5, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Drug Testing is very important when it comes to safety and security. It can be handled fairly but it is a mandatory subject of bargaining for Unions according to Federal Labor Law. That is probably why the Teachers Union is protesting. They want to set some rules and make sure their is someone (MRO) neutral looking into the positive tests.
Posted by: jeff on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:25 AM
I took random drug tests im the military for 22 years. I never once had a problem because I felt it kept me safe from working alongside someone who was impaired. I moved back in 92 and all I've heard from teachers is complaining year after year. If it's not their pay, it's drug testing. Kanawha County has to have the worst school system in the country.
Posted by: WhatIf on Dec 5, 2008 at 07:46 AM
If they sue and win does that mean the end to all drug testing? If a teacher can't be drug tested then why should anyone be tested? If my child is subject to drug testing because he plays football then the teachers should be also. If not, that is discrimination and I guess I will have to sue.
Posted by: Rob on Dec 5, 2008 at 07:02 AM
To "a teacher in Kentucky". If you have nothing to hide what's the big deal? Don't you understand? especially a teacher like you should see why people are against drug screenings. Today it's drug screens tomorrow it's something else. The reasons people accept these idiotic rules they put on us is because of people like you. When you make comments like " if you have nothing to hide why let it bother you". I agree with you, however they keep making rules that will one day affect or "bother" you. You than will be crying foul and the people around you who don't care will say the same thing as you have.
Posted by: Ryan on Dec 5, 2008 at 06:26 AM
How about banning the ACLU from our schools? Now there is a thought.
Posted by: A teacher in Kentucky on Dec 5, 2008 at 05:53 AM
I agree. If you have nothing to hide, why let it bother you to be drug tested? If you have medical that a doctor has written for you and you are taking it the right way, no one can do anything about it. Get real people!!!!
Posted by: Treva on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:18 PM
I don't understand the hoopla in wanting to stop the random drug testing in the school system. The union is apparently against the drug testing. There are many jobs in today's market that require random drug testing of its employees. The school system shouldn't be any different. I say test them all from the janitor to the principal on a regular basis. They are, after all, in place of the parent during the day. They should be responsible and if they are under the influence, their job should be in jeopardy, just like any other employee anywhere else.
Posted by: Becky on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Why do these teacher think that they are any different than any of our kids. You can radomly test are kids and search the personal item, cars etc. Do you all have something to hide is the reason that you don't want the drug testing. You should be setting an example. And letting them know that we mean business on getting drugs out of our schools and away from our children. WHAT ARE U HIDING???????
Posted by: beth on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:15 PM
If you have nothing to hide then there should be no problem with complying to drug testing policies. Grow up people and quit making everything difficult!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Raven on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Threats of a law suit. We will Sue We Will Sue.Only in WV- Just pee in the cup and get on with it. If you cant pass the test there are several thousand law obiding job seekers that will fill your posistion
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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 1/4
  • Posted By: Fixed that for you: Any one who is paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them. Its simple NO TEST, NO CHECK. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for our money to go to people in government and on welfare who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: Chris to WSAZ: To all the workers and employees of WSAZ: Thank you for being there and allowing comments about the news.Our family watch only WSAZ news and enjoy each of you. I know that the recognition that you receive is little to none,but you deserve better.This goes out to the producers,cameramen,to everyone behind the scenes and the ones that are seen too. Thank you for having the best news program available to the public. God Bless Each and Everyone of You. Chris
  • Posted By: redbaron: in response to pablo on comment dated 01/06 - EXCUSE ME!! I do believe FIREFIGHTERS also risk their lives for total strangers and no they are NOT law enforcement!
  • Posted By: omg: I am so sick and tired of hearing how public school teachers are indebted to the public for their salary. Many of you are so freakin nosey that if your neighbor stopped too fast, you'd have to get a crane to remove your head from their rear. I am so tired of this drug test line. Teachers deserve to pee in peace and so do you. Why should teachers be forced to have their personal lives paraded all over the news? That is exactly what would happen. If a typical joe blow got fired from the coal mines for drugs, it wouldn't make front page news. A teacher being fired for drugs would. You people expect teachers to be the mother, father, grandparent, clergyman, counselor, as well as the teacher. You don't do anything with your kids but expect the teacher to fix all the problem you create. Some of them probably need drugs by the time they are done raising your spoiled kids who think the world owes them something on a silver platter. Take your own drug test before you get pregnant.
  • Posted By: Sophie: Re: The student (Hinzman?) being expelled for using foul language after being bullied & beaten on school grounds; you should not have been expelled for expressing your hurt, anger & disgust. You were a victim and did nothing. It is unreasonable to punish the victim - so what if he cussed - I'd cuss too if someone beat the beegeebers out of me. The kid who beat you should receive jail time & counciling; the kid who filmed you & released it on U-Tube should too. It has often been said that television is desensitizing our children so badly they have no empathy for others. This is a prime example. I hope the school board will have enough common sense to clear this victims school record of the incident as he should not have been expelled, and get him counciling also as such a trauma will surly have an effect on a young life.
  • Posted By: Boyd: Any one who is employed and gets paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them for their work. Its simple NO TEST, NO JOB. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for federal, state and municipal employees who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: George: As a parent I have no problem being drug tested. I'll stand in line right behind Katy.
  • Posted By: goodorbad: I look at it like this-if you dont have anything to hide, shut up and do the test!
  • Posted By: Rick: I think all teachers should be drug tested, I drive a transit bus for our county and I want the public to know I am drug free and teachers should want everyone to know the same, that their children are not in the care of people on drugs,if you have nothing to hide why object to random testing I know I don't
  • Posted By: Tea: I can't even imagine that our teachers have not been drug tested up until this time. Anyone who refuses should be fired. These are our children!!! People take drug test when they don't even work with people, let alone children. These are government jobs and we should have a say in what they have to do.
  • Posted By: Ari: Cheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joe: I have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: Katy: As a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
  • Posted By: stephen: Why the heavy emphasis ont he damage to property and life Israel is doing . Where was the media uproar for years that Hamas was rocketing Israel irespective of innocent israelis.. Hamas is actualykilling their own citizens by firing rockets from UN schools and residents. Why does UN allow Hamas to use facilities for attacking Israel, then complain when Israel responds to protect their territory and citizens. Israel targets military targets, respons to from whence rockets or gun fire comes. What would we fire at if Huntington was attacked?Why does the media not put bla,e where balame belongs, and give moral support to the aggreived.What would America do if attacked? to whom would we listen? Russia, Saudi Arabia,Iran?.Media get REAL! Who has given Hamas and the Palestinians millions with which they could buy weapons---American taxpayers money!
  • Posted By: Robert: Although I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: Boyd: If the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: Rob: Why does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: Chris: To Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: Pablo: Teachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: Craig: If what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresa: racist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-Officer: I agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: Garland: What's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: : This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: Robert: We the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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