Opinion ID: 497255
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Narrow Question Presented in this Case

Text: 14 Before applying this framework to the facts of the present case, we think it important to make clear the narrow focus of our inquiry. The only issue in this case is the propriety of the District Court's blanket injunction prohibiting any drug testing in the absence of probable cause. The School System does not argue that it can require drug tests absent individualized suspicion outside the context of a regular, employment-related medical examination, and no claim has been raised that the annual physical examination required of Transportation Branch employees is anything but that. Thus, this case focuses solely on drug testing in the context of a regular medical examination for employment purposes; it does not pose the question of what measures the School System could constitutionally take outside this context, e.g., what level of suspicion might be required for random or individualized testing. 15 Furthermore, the School System has conceded that the EMIT test is not a valid measure of whether the subject is in possession of, is using, or is under the influence of illicit drugs at the time of the test. 10 As this test therefore lacks a sufficient nexus to the appellant's legitimate concern that its employees not possess, use or be under the influence of drugs while on duty, it is clear that the School System could not constitutionally test its employees for drugs in the manner Jones was tested, and our analysis should not be read to suggest the contrary. 16 Finally, as the School System chose not to appeal that portion of the District Court's injunction ordering the plaintiff reinstated with full backpay and benefits, we have no occasion to consider the legality of possible sanctions for illicit drug use. We do not consider, for example, whether an employee may be automatically discharged in such a case. 17