Stay Informed

Sign up for news & alerts

Already signed up?
Login here
What Can I Do?


Get Help
Need alcohol or drug help for yourself or someone else? GET HELP
Resources
Resources
Find useful publications, online documents & more.


DrugScreening.org


 

Seattle's Drug-Testing Policy Thrown Out
October 13, 2000

Email
Email
Print
Print
SubscribeSubscribe
News Summary

The Washington State Court of Appeals ruled that Seattle's policy of requiring drug tests for prospective employees for certain jobs is unconstitutional and violates individual rights to privacy, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Oct. 3.

The drug-testing policy was adopted by the Seattle City Council in July 1996. The policy required all prospective employees to sign a document agreeing to submit to a drug test. When the ACLU objected to the policy, it was revised a year later to require testing only of those applying for jobs involving public safety, handling city money, operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment, or working directly with minors.

The ACLU proceeded with its lawsuit, claiming the policy still violated the constitutional right to privacy and violated basic human dignity.

Seattle's attorney's office postponed commenting on the ruling until it had a chance to review the court's decision.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:

Comment:
(limit 200
words)

Enter this word
(help):
Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for everyone, please:

  1. Keep it clean, courteous, focused, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.

  2. Do not post personal requests for help or general promotions for your organization (Get help).

  3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.