U.S. Supreme Court and Drug Free America Foundation Agree: Student Drug Testing is...

News & Business Editors/Health & Education Writers

Parents across America will sleep better tonight knowing their children have a greater incentive to say "no" to drugs tomorrow than they did today. The United States Supreme Court in a five to four decision ruled today

that public schools can randomly test high school students participating in any extra-curricular activities for drug and alcohol use. In a previous decision, the high court allowed the use of drug testing only for athletes.

Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. joined the Legal Foundation Against Illicit Drugs, Save Our Society From Drugs (S.O.S.), Drug-Free Schools Coalition and nearly 60 other anti-drug organizations and individuals in a persuasive Amicus brief that argued the merits of random student drug testing before the court.

Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the majority opinion of the court that schools' interest in deterring drug use by students is cause enough to perform random drug testing.

"I commend the Supreme Court justices for having the courage to protect our children from the scourge of drug abuse," said Calvina L. Fay, executive director of Drug Free America Foundation. "The bottom line is that we are a nation of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who love our children. We see them as our nation's most precious resource. If we can prevent harmful drug use or at least detect it early on, then our children have a better chance to become happier, healthier and more productive citizens."

"This is a victory for common sense," said David G. Evans, Counsel of Record on the brief. "This great decision gives parents and schools a powerful tool to help children stay off drugs. This is a real boost for the kids who want to stay safe and drug-free because testing gives them a chance to say "no" when approached to use drugs. Up until now, the ACLU has threatened schools with lawsuits over student drug testing. Now that the Supreme Court has spoken, we can begin to make our schools safer for every child."

Ms. Fay, Mr. Evans, parents who have lost children to drugs and students advocating school drug testing are available for comment.

Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit drug prevention and policy organization committed to global elimination of illegal drug use, drug addiction, drug-related illnesses and death.