Student drug testing views vary
By Misty Volaski

Out of 20 students recently interviewed in Ojai, each one said that they either used drugs themselves or knew someone who did. Twelve interviewees also said, based on their experience, that they thought that 75 percent or more of Nordhoff's student population had tried drugs at least once.
So it comes as no surprise that Nordhoff is instituting a new drug-testing program. Several Rangers spoke out against the program, saying it was an "invasion of privacy," and that "it's not going to change anything."
The following five Nordhoff students agreed to have their feelings on the high school's new policy published on the condition of privacy.
· One girl, "Anna," laughed when she talked about the release form, which requires both the parent's and student's signature. "That's dumb because the kids aren't going to sign it," she said. "I don't do drugs but I wouldn't (sign) simply on principle."
· All five admitted they wouldn't sign the form. "Why would you sign (the form)? If people are still getting good grades, it's none of their business," said another student.
·Each student expressed anger at the idea that the school was getting involved in the first place. "The parents could just go out and drug test their kids if they really wanted to," said Randy. "Someone should do something about the drug problem, but I don't think the school should. Besides, half of the parents are probably stoners anyways."
· Four of the five said they thought the program probably wasn't going to work, and all five agreed that unless a student came to school on drugs, the school should stay out of it.
"If they aren't coming to school high, then who cares?" said Evan.
· One Nordhoff Ranger, "Ben," said he thought the program might have more success if the school notified kids as to when they were going to be drug tested. "But the school should really just leave us alone."

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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