Drug testing: What’s good for student-athlete should be good for educator

Repeat after me, young people: Do as we say, not as we do.

That's the unspoken lesson being taught these days at Green Valley High School, where Principal Jeff Horn has received high praise for implementing a random drug-testing program for his student-athletes. Horn's idea appears to be catching on with several other high schools now considering testing their student-athletes for drug use.

For a moment, forget whether such drug testing is effective. And never mind that the Clark County School District already offers an amazing variety of drug-prevention-related programs for students of all grades.

Look at it this way: Those athletes are being held to a higher standard than their teachers, principals and the Clark County School District Board of Trustees. And that sends a bell-ringing message.

Those student-athletes might not turn pro in their favorite sport. They might struggle with their math homework and have to cram to pass an American literature class. But thanks to this rule they'll always know the definition of hypocrisy.

Do as we say, not as we do.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating increased drug testing, and I understand that teachers and administrators are protected by their contracts, but it does make sense for some occupations.

At Metro, officer Martin Wright tells me the department drug tests recruits and has random drug testing for officers. Tests also may be ordered based on a "reasonable suspicion of drug use or alcohol impairment," Wright says.

For cops, drug testing is smart. They carry guns, drive fast and have the power to arrest and take a life if necessary.

Clark County government employees in general aren't drug tested unless "there is reasonable cause that the employee is under the influence of a drug and/or alcohol," according to the current contract. Employees who carry commercial driver's licenses and operate large vehicles may be asked to take a drug test. A county employee involved in an accident while on duty also "may be required to undergo a drug and alcohol test" under certain conditions.

In case you're wondering, there's no drug testing for county commissioners or members of the City Council.

Clark County firefighters aren't allowed to use drugs, but they "shall not be subject to the disciplinary process" if they self-disclose their problem. In essence, the average firefighter works under a less aggressive drug policy than the one issued to a member of the Green Valley High football team.

The School District has many needs, but it's not short of drug abuse-prevention programs. Arlene Hummel heads the district's Safe and Drug Free Schools office, which coordinates programs throughout the system. She possesses the acronym-unraveling skills of a CIA code breaker.

Hummel brings in experts who educate students and teachers to the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol. From DARE and Kids Are the Core, to the TARGET program and the upcoming SAVE substance abuse and anti-violence program, Hummel's office offers something for almost everyone.

"I think we're doing the best we can with the resources we have," Hummel says.

Although even sweeping anti-drug abuse education programs don't ensure success, Metro narcotics Detective Brian Grammas and his partner Bruce Gentner teach the straight facts to hundreds of teachers and thousands of high school students each year.

"Hopefully, it gives them some knowledge," Grammas says, acknowledging the harsh realities.

A consistent set of rules would be refreshing. If you're into drug testing, doesn't it make more sense to randomly test those students who get poor grades and miss a lot of school?

Instead, the athletes, the students arguably the least likely to take drugs, are placed under suspicion.

Perhaps someone will argue the football team's backup punter has a more responsible duty than his English teacher. Maybe someone will contend the point guard for the girls' basketball team should be tested before the high school counselor in charge of assisting hundreds of students' lives. Superintendent Walt Rulffes wouldn't dream of trying.

"There is testing when an issue surfaces, and on occasion people are asked to test when there's some kind of evidence or allegation that there might be substance abuse present," Rulffes says.

But he readily acknowledges the irony of drug testing athletes in a system that doesn't test teachers or administrators.

Do as we say, not as we do.

John L. Smith's column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. E-mail him at Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295.