#Protect   #children’s   #Mental   #Health   #Fourth   #Amendments   #Rights   

Texas has “implemented” a policy to randomly drug test Public School students in non athletic extra curricular activities. The students selected at random will be Forced to urinate in a cup with someone of the same gender in the restrooms with them. There is no option for a parent to disagree. The school district advises this has been implemented because they care about ALL students and the use of illegal drugs. THE PROBLEM: they’re only forcing this on children that are in programs that can win championships bringing money into that district. 

Extracurricular activities are a therapy for those who suffer from mental health issues and those whom are Neurodivergent, such as depression, anxiety, self identification, ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia to say the least. Treating them like parolees By violating their Fourth Amendment Rights May have adverse effects. If it is the case that the district is concerned with drug use in all Public School students, a program for drug use should be implemented. Forcing “some” students to drug test does not show the concern for All students as the policy states. It shows a greed for the district to revive accolades and monetary prizes. 

Anxiety, depression and suicide have increased substantially since covid. Children were isolated from the world, some left in the home with their abusers. I don’t see any mental health programs implemented to teach children coping skills nor emotional intelligence. This is what Art, Choir, Yearbook, Journalism and other non athletic school activities provide to aide in such ailments. I completely understand why school athletics are drug testing, we’re all familiar with this being the “norm”. High school football is a cash cow for the districts, and we want our athletes to be safe. However, when signing up for athletics, parents are aware prior to their child signing up. In non athletics, there was not a prior knowledge of randomly drug testing students.

The district cannot gaslight parents and students into believing they care about drug/alcohol abuse of ALL students but only test those that have the potential to bring money into the district. If a parent disagrees with the random drug testing the child is removed from Art, Choir, yearbook etc.  THE IRONY: if children are removed from these non athletic programs it can lead to withdraw, depression, loss of confidence and low self esteem, leaving the child without an outlet for the pressure of the world today. Texas Public Schools do not have the right to violate children’s constitutional nor state rights. 

I agree that drug use in students has increased. However, implementation of an educational Anti- Drug program would benefit All students, not just the “cash cow students”. Be proactive in educating children on the altering effects of drug use, how it effect their bodies, the difficulties associated with drugs and how it can lead to addiction. Educate children on addiction and the effects on mental health, and the dangers of addiction. This is being proactive, and it’s inclusive of ALL students as the district advises is their concern. Probable cause of drug use should be discussed with parents, a plan of action implemented and tools given to the child for recovery. Targeting these children for financial gain is disturbing and disgusting to say the least. 

Do Better Texas!