Our Opinion: Drug screenings at Linn Tech reflect reality

Friday, September 9, 2011

Linn State Technical College has adopted a sensible, widespread drug testing policy for its students.

The policy — among the most expansive at a public educational facility — has rankled some civil libertarians and prompted threats of lawsuits.

School officials argue drug tests are necessary to promote safety among students who work with aircraft, heavy machinery, nuclear technology and other dangerous tasks.

Educators also contend the drug screenings reflect policies future employers will invoke.

Civil libertarians believe the drug tests invade privacy and violate the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment Protection against unlawful searches and seizures.

They also counter the safety argument by pointing out drug screenings apply to all first-year students — including those in the non-threatening career paths of accounting, math, communications or other programs.

A member of the Missouri Civil Liberties Association, Columbia attorney Dan Viets, said: “They’re trying to break some new ground here. I don’t think the courts will uphold it.”

But school officials, and their legal counsel, believe they are on solid footing. “It does appear our program is unique in its scope and breadth,” said Kent Brown, a Jefferson City attorney who represents the Linn school. “But there aren’t very many colleges as unique as ours.”

If a legal challenge arises — and we hope it doesn’t — we defer to the attorneys to argue the applicable laws.

But in the court of common sense, we find Linn State Technical College’s widespread drug testing policy to be eminently reasonable.

Educational facilities are designed to prepare students for the workplace. Workplaces apply rules — regarding punctuality, dress codes, appropriate behavior and drug screenings.

We have no problem when schools — public or private — choose to reflect reality when preparing students.

More like this story

ballgame 1 year, 9 months ago

so in order to learn at this public school, you have to subject yourself to an invasion of your privacy? What is next, drug tests to ride the public bus? Sexually transmitted disease test to use the Greenway? Sounds silly right? Its the same thing.

bluesfan13 1 year, 9 months ago

Why should Linn State waste their time on students who would not be able to go on and get a job in the field they are pursuing? Nearly all employers in the fields mentioned require drug testing; both for initial hires, continued employment, and random screening. To be fair to the entire campus, Linn State has instituted this campus wide. I suppose you're against having background screenings done for education or nursing students as well?

suzyjax 1 year, 9 months ago

Why do our colleges waste their time with kids who are hungover? Or kids who are texting instead of listening to the prof? What about the kid surfing the web? Really, we can't control all behavior.

JCLifer 1 year, 9 months ago

"We have no problem when schools — public or private — choose to reflect reality when preparing students."

EXCELLENT STATEMENT!

. .

mamaj01 1 year, 9 months ago

I think this is a wonderful idea!! Many workplaces do drug testing now, and no one sees that as a violation of privacy because they are getting paid. Why is a school doing it, where students mess with heavy machinery and building, so different? I am sure i dont want any one stoned out of their minds, building anything around me!!! Those people complaining about this are probably the same people complaining about drug testing for welfare...GET OVER IT! Sorry it all needs to be done!

suzyjax 1 year, 9 months ago

You are only half right. A lot of people do mind no-basis, pre-employment drug screening. However, they tolerate because they are getting paid. Especially in this tight job market, TPTB have us by the ...well, ya know...because sometimes you have to put food on the table than defend your civil liberties.

Gabrielle 1 year, 9 months ago

No, it doesn't NEED to be done. It is a choice to do this. The question is: is it constitutional? I just wonder what percentage actually 'use' drugs. Maybe having a reason to test someone for drug use is the way to go - with the underlying reason - given their permission - we CARE about them and their well-being.

Yeah, just inch little by little with 'it needs to be done' one freedom at a time and soon we will look like the North Koreans.... all pristine - well groomed and as unhappy as %&(#. Its a subtle thing that slowly stiffles...this attitude of yours, mamaj01. My best guess is the GET OVER IT!' 'it needs to be done' attitude has already stiffled those that think such nonsense.

wcywing 1 year, 9 months ago

unfortunately this is the sign of the times, people are sheep now a days. in FL lawmakers thought they would save so much money if they tested people on welfare for drugs, guess what, very few were tested positive and it costed FL lots of $$.

3blindmice 1 year, 9 months ago

I think this is a wonderful idea. the board of directors and president of the school should get on board as well and just take the test to show everyone it's not such a bad idea. now that I think about it why doesn't our legislature have to take a drug test as well. I mean most employers do drug test these days why should they be exempt?

tonto 1 year, 9 months ago

I agree, 3blindmice. The board, the president, the faculty, and staff should all be tested. The truth is that 57% of employers (not most, but more than half) require drug testing for new employees. Only 36% test active employees. Employers who have drug testing have 50% lower absentee rates and 50% lower work-related accident rates.

Gabrielle 1 year, 9 months ago

The Truth about drug testing is that its a moment in time. The test tells about that moment in time as to drug use... given that it is a true positive. There are ways for people to get around showing positive. It is even possible for a relatively 'heavy' drug user to hold off on using until after the test - giving him/herself enough time to wash the stuff out.

JCLifer 1 year, 9 months ago

Test hair samples.

suzyjax 1 year, 9 months ago

What people are pointing out is that the students pay for the drug testing. BUT (yes a big BUT), most students at Linn Tech are on student financial aid. That means you and I and our tax dollars are really paying for this waste of time and money.

Ballgame is right about the slippery slope. Next it will be random searches of college dorms for drugs or any other illegal activities. Then it will be all student housing, cuz we can't discriminate just because someone lives off campus. Then it will be all housing by all people. Who needs a search warrant when people so callously toss off the civil liberties of others?

In the end, why do I have the feeling that if we checked the Missouri Ethics Commission reports we would find a lot of donations from a drug testing company?

Gabrielle 1 year, 9 months ago

suzy you've got it - people want/need to get paid and it will continue until enough people have had enough. I wonder how long that will be? Lots of people are already discontent.

thegreatnate1991 1 year, 8 months ago

Think about it, people. Employers want you to take a drug test...why? They don't want illegal activity carried out in their workplace, and in most cases (especially with heavy or dangerous equipment), they want to keep everybody safe.

Now...what does LSTC teach? Granted, I don't think that having the students pay is the right way to go (most of us don't even have $50, I believe), but they don't want some kid drugged up while he's driving a semi, working with a dozer, or even working on a car. It's ridiculously unsafe.

Get over yourselves.

tonto 1 year, 8 months ago

Think again, Nate.

Business is about money. Employers implement drug testing programs because it reduces their cost to do business. The employers' insurance companies make it so the companies can't afford not to implement the safety programs, and it has been proven that employment-related accidents and abenteeism are reduced significantly by a well thought out and publicized drug testing program.

tonto 1 year, 8 months ago

The Linn State program is a farce.

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