Press Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rafael Lemaitre 202–395&3150;6618
Thursday, June 27, 2002
(Mexico City, Mexico) -- John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy, issued the following statement today regarding the Supreme Court's decision on drug testing in public schools:
"People at the local level are often the ones that best understand the nature and depth of the drug problems facing their neighborhoods. American communities should have the ability to use the best available tools to combat the problem of illegal drugs. Parents and educators must decide for themselves if drugs are a menace and whether testing is an appropriate response. It gives communities the option to use a potentially important tool."
The Court ruled 5-4 today in favor of allowing drug testing for students who participate in competitive extracurricular activities or teams.
Next month, the Office of National Drug Control Policy will release a publication entitled What You Need to Know About Drug Testing in Schools. The publication will provide communities with a broad understanding of the issue and solid, up-to-date information on which to decide if drug testing is right for them.
