February 5,
2000:
Fight Over Mandatory Drug Tests
By PAM EASTON Associated Press Writer
LOCKNEY, Texas (AP) - A father launched
an appeal Friday challenging the suspension of his 12-year-old son for
refusing to take a drug test required of every student in the school
district.
The Lockney district has decided to
punish sixth-grader Brady Tannahill, the only student to refuse the
test, as if he had tested positive. He faces a 21-day suspension from
extracurricular activities, at least three days' suspension and
substance abuse counseling.
Brady could also be required to take a
drug test every month for a year. Each time he refuses, it will be
considered a repeat offense, and the punishment escalates.
Tannahill said the policy
tramples his parental rights and could deny his son access to a public
education. On a fourth offense, the policy calls for a student to be
suspended from all school activities for the remainder of his or her
career, removed to an alternative school for at least 30 days, given 12
sessions of substance abuse counseling and disqualifed from all honors.
``My son is an A and B student,''
Tannahill said. ``He's never been in trouble and right now they are
saying he's guilty.''
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