Michigan Catholic High School to Implement Random Drug Testing
A Catholic high school in Michigan is set to implement random drug testing for its students and staff, in the coming fall term.
St. Mary Catholic Central High School in Monroe, Michigan will have random drug testing for students and staff. A survey conducted by the school indicated that 80 percent of parents in the school supported the plan, while there were some concerns regarding privacy.
The school clarified, however, that the implementation of the new drug policy is not an indication of an increase in drug and alcohol use. On the contrary, the move is a proactive way to ensure that students are kept drug-free. In addition, it serves as a deterrent for students who are being pressured into using drugs at parties or gatherings, as they can say that they are being tested at school.
Michelle Burman, a mother who has two children attending St. Mary, shared: “As a mom who’s really concerned about what’s out there it makes me feel good to know that we’re really doing what we can to help the kids.”
Principal Jenny Biler, on the other hand, shared: “We know that there are students who experience things… I don’t think that’s unusual in their day and age and we know that drugs are readily available.”
Students and staff will need to provide hair samples for drug testing. A computer program will randomly select students, staff, teachers, and coaches throughout the school year for testing; nobody will now when they will be tested, or how often.
