Hell’s Kitchen schools start mandatory random drug testing

Students from the Clinton school district in Manhattan, commonly known as Hell’s Kitchen, has started carrying out random drug tests on students who partake in extracurricular activities. Since September 2013, Clinton High School, Sumner Hill and Clinton Junior High have been selecting students at random for urine testing. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir and band. In addition to activities, student government and honour societies in grades 7-12 are being tested.

Clay Norton, athletic director, explained: “This is something we’re doing as a deterrent. We have policies to address drug use on campus, but with this policy we want to give students more incentive not to use illegal drugs at all, anywhere.”

Punishments

A first positive test results in a suspension from one-quarter of a student’s competitions or performances. A second test results in a suspension from half the competitions or performances, and three positive tests results in a ban for a full year. If a student is tested positively four times, they receive a life ban in the Clinton district.

Violations are cumulative; if a student tests positive twice in junior high, their first positive test in high school will count as a third violation.

Students who return a positive test are offered counselling services and their parents are notified. Refusing to take a test counts as a positive result and a violation.

Members of the student council and National Honor Society will receive an automatic dismissal if they return a positive test result.

This approach has great potential to act as a permanent deterrent. For many students the extracurricular activities are the most important part of their schooling, especially for those playing competitive sports. This acts as a clear message – do not take drugs.