Some Schools Testing Students for Tobacco Use October 8, 2002
News Summary
A number of schools have begun administering urine tests to students to determine whether they are smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products, the Associated Press reported Oct. 7.School testing for tobacco use has grown in recent years and especially since June, when the U.S. Supreme Court allowed random drug testing of students participating in extracurricular activities.
Supporters of such testing contend that it prevents future use of more serious drugs. "Some addicted drug users look back to cigarettes as the start of it all," said Jeff McAlpin, director of marketing for EDPM, a Birmingham, Ala., drug-testing company.
Opponents of the testing argue that it violates students' rights and discourages them from taking part in extracurricular activities.
"On tobacco, we have the same policy as on testing for drugs -- it may not be right for every school and community. We encourage parents and officials to assess the extent and nature of the tobacco problem," said Jennifer De Vallance, press secretary for the White House drug office.
In Alabama, about 12 school districts test for nicotine as well as alcohol and several illegal drugs, including marijuana. Penalties for testing positive for cotinine, the byproduct that remains in the body after smoking or chewing tobacco, are the same as those for illegal drugs. The schools notify the parents and the student is placed on school probation and briefly suspended from extracurricular activities.
In Indiana, schools conduct drug testing on students who participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. Testing also is extended to students who take driver's education or apply for parking permits.
"Tobacco is illegal for them to have; it's also a health and safety issue," said Phil Hastings, supervisor of safety and alternative education for schools in Decatur, Ala., which recently adopted a testing program that includes tobacco. "We've got a responsibility to let the kids know the dangers of tobacco use."
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