It’s not just the jobs where people need to operate machinery where drug testing is taking place, apparently. In a bizarre story I read on CNN, a school district in the state of Texas is set to begin testing students for drugs as early as grade 7 if they are trying to participate in extracurricular activities.
Texas School District Promotes a Drug Free Environment
The district, located in Amarillo, Texas, is Bushland Independent School District, and starting this fall, in 2019, anyone in the seventh grade, all the way through grade 12, who is looking to get involved in any extracurricular activity ranging from sports, bad, and even the student council and chess teams, has to pass a required drug test.
“We’ve discussed drug testing policy for about a year now, and the board wants to be proactive,” “They want our kids to have a drug-free environment; we want our kids to make great decisions.”
What Happens if a Student Tests Positive?
There will be consequences for anyone who tests negative, according to the article. While there will not be any suspensions, the student will not be allowed to participate in the extracurricular activities, partake in social events, (I imagine like school dances and the such), as well as park on the school grounds. A meeting will also be set up with the parent of the student in tandem with district officials. After the suspension ends and the student passes a test, they can apply for re-instatement. Like the Federal Justice System, the number of times the person offends the new rule will equal the punishment given out. Additionally, a clean slate will start between middle school and high school.
