In a case that could be a legal precursor in more ways than one to public school districts across the nation, the U.S. Supreme Court rebuked Monday a lawsuit from a teacher's group alleging pre-employment drug testing is unconstitutional.
Without comment, the court upheld a decision by school district officials in Knox County, Tenn., to require drug testing of teaching candidates.
Considering the vital influence and responsibility of teachers, the court made an appropriate decision supporting the safety and welfare of students.
At the same time, the court's decision could negatively impact numerous drug-testing lawsuits across the country brought by students participating in extracurricular activities.
A perfect example is ongoing litigation by Hollister Gardner and Molly Gardner against the Tulia Independent School District.
The Gardners, who are cousins, allege random drug tests of students participating in extracurricular activities are unconstitutional.
If teaching candidates are legally required to submit to drug tests, it seems only logical students would face similar stipulations in order to participate in activities such as band or debate.
The U.S. Supreme Court previously upheld the right of public school districts to administer drug tests to student-athletes.
Students choosing to participate in other extracurricular activities should not be excluded.
Now that the highest court in the land has placed teaching candidates under the same stipulation, it would seem lawsuits similar to the Gardners' face a long and precarious uphill legal battle.
The ruling could certainly make it extremely difficult for litigants such as the Gardners to prevail.