Drug Testing Survey Results Released

The majority of people who responded to a community survey on a at Lake Zurich High School said they are "strongly opposed" to such testing.

The recently-revealed survey results showed that of the 1,912 respondents, 900 people, or 47 percent, said they strongly oppose random drug testing. Another 555 people, or 29 percent, said they oppose random drug testing. Just 207 respondents, or 11 percent, said they are strongly in favor of random drug testing, while 193 people, or 10 percent, said they are in favor of such testing.

The Board surveyed the community in advance of a final vote on the proposed random drug testing policy.

Here's a look at other survey results:

• 78 percent of those who said they oppose random drug testing said they feel that way because they "do not believe it is the school’s responsibility."

• 54 percent of the respondents who said they are in favor of random drug testing said they feel that way because they "believe it will be an effective deterrent."

The survey also received 639 comments from respondents. Here's a look at what some people had to say:

• "I consider this an invasion of privacy and an attack on civil rights."

• "I believe it would be an effective deterrent for some students, and is another positive step in raising positive discussions among kids."

• "I do not believe it is fair to single out students with the 'privilege' to participate in extra-curricular activities or have a parking pass. It should be the parent's responsibility to deal with a drug issue with their child and the school's responsibility to teach and offer assistance when needed. This is a waste of the school's time and money."

• "I am in favor of random drug testing and believe there is only a small (yet very vocal) group that is opposed to it. Most parents I know and talk to are in favor of it."

• "Please let parents handle this problem! How arrogant of the schools to think they know better. Kids need help not harassment! Why don't you spend more time teaching rather than policing. Government has gone too far. What good will come of this? So you test the kids; they get kicked out of their extra-curricular activities. Then what? More time for drugs!"

• "As long as this is done without the kids being singled out I believe this is a good thing. I believe that kids sometimes need to have a deterrent and/or a reason to say no."