Finally, a Missouri college ignores the norm and goes against what many believe to be considered “college life” and implements mandatory drug testing for students. Although there are probably many higher education institutions, particularly Bible Colleges and Universities with substance abuse policies in place, Linn State Technical College is making headlines for taking a stand against drug abuse. 49,000 people entered a Missouri drug rehab for illicit drug abuse and addiction treatment in 2010. Approximatley 489,000 needed but did not recieve alcohol or drug rehabilitation treatment that same year.
This new drug testing policy comes on the heels of community businesses who would be more likely to hire the school’s graduates as a result. Of course the Missouri Civil Liberties Union is threatening to sue, but that may be about as far as that goes. Students against drug testing can simply choose to attend school elsewhere. Rehab Missouri drug counselors feel this is a step in the right direction and can hardly see how implementing policy that provides a safe and drug free environment aimed at actually education can violate anyone’s civil rights.
The drug testing policy employed seems very relaxed and geared towards actually helping anyone who may have a substance abuse or addiction problem enter a drug treatment program. If a student tests positive, a subsequent test in administered 45 days later with a third random test. If both of the latter are negative the student is allowed to continue their education and all tests are destroyed at the end of the semester.
Alcohol and marijuana are the number one and two choices for drugs of abuse in Missouri which coincides with the majority of college students drugs of choice. More and more people are entering drug rehabs in Missouri for marijuana addiction that ever before. Alcohol kills more people that all illegal drugs combined and costs Missouri taxpayers several billion dollars each year. Its about time someone took a stand, this sends a message that drug abuse and addiction is not okay and will not be tolerated.
