SAMPLE LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Drug Testing
I am concerned about the widespread and expanding use of random drug
testing in the workplace. Drug testing is a completely unacceptable
invasion of privacy.
The Constitution's Bill of Rights was intended to protect us from
"unreasonable searches". The random testing of individuals for drug use,
without grounds for suspecting that he or she might be using drugs, is just
such an unreasonable search. We should not allow the Bill of Rights to be
eroded by desires to achieve dramatic results in the War on Drugs,
however well-intended.
The vast majority of individuals who test positive in random workplace
drug tests are casual marijuana users, whose drug use occurred at home
and not on the job, and whose actual job performance is no different from
those who test negative. Random drug testing results in traumatic firings
for many individuals who are essentially good employees, and punishes
individuals who are seriously addicted instead of providing them with the
treatment they desperately need.
Drug abuse is an important social problem. We need to deal with this
problem at the roots -- through education and treatment, especially for
young people, and through research into effective strategies for
prevention.
Resources are too scarce to be directed at expensive programs that are
ineffective and that encroach on the precious guarantees of personal
freedom granted us by the Constitution. It is time for the public to speak
out against random drug testing and to support any legislation that would
ban routine drug testing.
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