Why the distinction between mandatory and voluntary student drug testing? Why can we test ALL students?
Current legal guidelines permit public schools voluntary random testing of groups such as athletes and participants in extracurricular activities (choir, band, various clubs, and student drivers). There are currently no federal guidelines permitting public schools to test the entire student body. However, there are no federal guidelines against public schools wanting to test the entire student body either. The government has left the decision up to the state legislatures regarding student drug testing policy. Private schools are under different jurisdictions when programs such as student drug testing are concerned. Since most private schools are not funded by the federal government, they have separate obligations and responsibilities regarding student drug testing. For example, all public schools must have signed consent forms before implementing a student drug testing program. Private schools may not need to have signed consent forms before implementing a student drug testing program.
