Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should high school athletes be drug tested?
Position‹2 of 2

No, high school athletes should not be drug tested

Drug testing student-athletes will make matters worse. It will break the trust between students and authority figures in schools, foster an environment of mistrust and sus[cion, waste money, and violate rights.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. It might encourage use of more dangerous substances
    Drugs that show up on school drug tests are less dangerous and associated with very low mortality rates. But, if a student is aware of their school's drug testing policy, they may seek out drugs and substances that will go undetected. These are often substances far more lethal and dangerous.
  2. Students have a right to privacy
    A student does not forfeit their Fourth Amendment rights upon entry into school. Students still have rights, and intrusive drug tests violate those rights. Drug testing students is a clear invasion of privacy.
  3. Drug testing is expensive
    A vast majority of schools are underfunded and in need of more resources to help their students reach their full potentials. Drug testing is expensive and unnecessary, and schools should reallocate funds to either drug education and counseling or other critical school programs.