http://wcbstv.com/local/milford.high.school.2.813105.html
...a Connecticut school system has apparently adopted a new policy where in order to enter a school event (dance, etc.) all students must take a breathalyzer test for alcohol. Refusal to take the test will result in up to a 10 day suspension. The intent of the rule is to reduce teen drinking.
On the one hand, I am always for reducing alcohol use in underage people. On the other hand, does it not seem extreme to subject every student to a breathalyzer, regardless of suspicion of alcohol use? It is a "presumed guilty until proven innocent" policy which is both contrary to American standards of jurisprudence, and likely to discourage many kids from attending these events simply because they don't want to go thru the process. I realize this is not a legal issue (yet) because student rights are abridged while in school - that is established law from the bench - but it still seems like a bad idea. What are teens learning from this particular school lesson?
I'd like to know if this is a reaction to the a specific incident or if it is just s reaction to "too many teens are drinking." In other words, have they had trouble with drunk kids showing up to school events?
YanıtlaSilMy one problem with it, since I'm not a Connecticut taxpayer, is the 10 day suspension for refusing to take the test. If someone shows up and refuses to take the test, you don't allow them into the event. You don't suspend them.
YanıtlaSilIf I was a Connecticut taxpayer, I'd also have a problem with the amount of money being spent on the equipment.
I don't know that I have a problem with the requirement being be tested or don't come to the event... we have security checks to come into buildings, inspections at airports, etc. Perhaps they should do random tests, though then they open themselves up for discrimination suits.
This story was featured on http://detentionslip.org. Check it out for all the wild headlines from our schools.
YanıtlaSilI think you lessen the chance of lawsuits if you test all. (Why did you pick on MY child?)
YanıtlaSilI agree that if you refuse, you should just be turned away and not suspended unless you do someting else, like try to sneak in or act beligerent. But with a driving incident you are presumed guilty is you refuse the test, and they took the stand from that.
Yes, but again, the breathalyzer thing at a police stop is ONLY DONE if the police already have probably cause to believe you are drunk (i.e. weaving between lanes, etc.) They are not doing them at checkpoints to everyone who stops.
YanıtlaSilActually, the police do sometimes check every driver: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6380515
YanıtlaSil