Social Workers Disagree with Supreme Court Decision to Test Students for Drug Use

WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court’s decision today to allow drug testing in schools sets a precedent, no matter how well intentioned, that social workers believe is both invasive and counterproductive to combating drug and alcohol abuse in schools.

Thousands of social workers nationwide devote their lives to understanding, preventing, and treating substance abuse. School social workers focus primarily on helping students succeed; creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students to get the education they deserve and need. Policies such as this one deny participation in a broad range of extra-curricular activities for those students who refuse to submit to “suspicionless” drug testing—regardless of whether that decision was based on principle or modesty. They are, in essence, guilty until proven innocent. Empirical evidence, however, continues to show that students who participate in extra-curricular activities are least likely to be involved with alcohol and drugs, or any other “risky behaviors.”

“We are disappointed by the Supreme Court’s ruling today. Social workers, concerned with a child’s well-being, question whether this policy will do more harm than good,” says Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, “What programs are in place for prevention, and what happens to the child if a test comes back positive—what steps will be taken to keep this child involved in school and to treat the problem, as well as prevent it from happening again?”

“What is most effective in keeping kids away from drugs and alcohol are substance abuse prevention programs based on scientific research,” adds Clark.

Using drug testing as a prevention program not only deters kids least likely to use drugs and alcohol, but it may actually close the only avenue of support for a student seeking to turn away from drug involvement. Drug testing, in the manner allowed today by the Supreme Court, creates more of a challenge to the recovery from substance abuse and breaks down the walls of trust between student and school—a bond which time and again proves to decrease the likelihood of students participating in risky behaviors.

Clark adds, “Drug testing in this manner disregards the importance of prevention and treatment which social workers view as fundamental to helping kids make smart decisions and succeed in life.”

Media Outlets: For more information or to interview a school social worker on drug testing in schools or school social work please contact Lahne Mattas-Curry at 202-336-8228 or lcurry@naswdc.org.

Media Outlets: For more information or to interview a school social worker on drug testing in schools or school social work please contact Lahne Mattas-Curry at 202-336-8228 or lcurry@naswdc.org.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 153,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities through its work and through its advocacy.