ElliotAustin
Professor Williamson
English 1301-54
November 25, 2002
Drug Testing
Random drug testing is, exactly that, random. John Fay writes that “random drug testing is the unannounced testing of a percentage of employees who have been selected fro testing by a random selection method, such as an unbiased computer generated technique” (Fay 185). Fay also notes that “the reason why [random drug testing] is so unpopular” is because of two factors: “no notice, no cause” (Fay 11). Random drug testing has proven to be a debate worthy topic. Scholars and advocates have expressed their opinions, whether for or against drug testing in the workplace, through articles and books. ... Comer is among those who are against drug testing, which also includes the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU claims that drug testing is unfair and ineffective and the NORML claims it does not guarantee a drug free environment. While Comer agrees, she adds that “persons who fail drug tests are inferior workers [and that] may be rooted in ethnic discrimination” (259) and drug testing is immoral. ... Michael Cavanaugh and Pushkala Prasad agree with Comer’s arguments but do not agree that they “contain sufficient grounds to make a convincing case against drug testing” (Cavanaugh and Prasad 267). Mark de Bernardo is among the few, which have written about it, who support drug testing and think it improves the workplace. The Substance Abuse and mental Health Services Administration agrees and claims “workplace drug testing is an essential demand reduction component of a prevention method program” (SAMHSA 1). It may never be known if drug testing is essential, effective, or moral, but the opinions of scholars, advocates, and regular people are worth considering.
The American Civil Liberties Union claims that “workplace drug testing is up 277 percent from 1987 – despite the fact that random dug testing is unfair, often inaccurate and unproven as a means of stopping drug use” (ACLU 62). They do say that employers “have the right” to expect their employees to be “clean” but they should not be able to “require employees to prove their innocence by taking a drug test” (62). Drug tests, by ACLU’s standards are invasive and contain error. ... ACLU believes drug tests do no mean anything for the job because most people, who do drugs, do them in private, not at work.
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