Judge extends ban on Linn State drug testing

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - A drug-testing program for students at a central Missouri technical college will remain on hold until at least February.

Court records show U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey extended a temporary restraining order against Linn State Technical College last week. Laughrey also set a Feb. 3 hearing on whether to issue a permanent injunction.

The college adopted a program earlier this year to screen all first-year students and some returning students for cocaine, methamphetamines, oxycodone and eight other drugs. The judge initially imposed a restraining order against the policy in September in response to a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Court records show Linn State has agreed not to collect or test urine specimens while the restraining order remains in effect.