An equally cherished constitutional command is the rule that government officials may not search us without an adequate reason. Thus, for example, even though we know there is a drug problem in our society, we do not allow the police to randomly stop us on the street to see if we are carrying drugs. Thus, for example, even if it were true that most men with long hair were drug users, the police would not be free to stop all long haired men and search them for drugs. Unfortunately, many school officials concerned about drug use by students seem willing to ignore these principles. There is no doubt that the concern is well placed, and it is one that we share.
Drug use is a scourge on our society, exacting a terrible toll in lost lives.
And no one is arguing that we should tolerate students' use of illegal drugs. But zero tolerance for drugs should not lead us to have zero tolerance for constitutional limits. Sadly, that is exactly what is happening. Parents and school officials currently have a wide variety of tools at their disposal to address drug use by students. Educating students about the dangers of drug use can be highly effective.