Author Topic: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School  (Read 7291 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« on: January 04, 2008, 12:30:04 PM »
Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School

PEQUANNOCK TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) ― When it comes to keeping our teenagers safe and sober, one New Jersey school district is taking the lead by employing the use of a Breathalyzer test.

And as CBS 2 HD found out, it's become such a successful deterrent, students are passing with flying colors.

Keeping high school students sober can be, in some situations, a full time job.

"I personally got Breathalyzed," said student Jessica Forrest.

At Pequannock High School.

Getting checked for alcohol is now the rule at dances and other social events.

"I'm all for it because if your child isn't doing anything wrong, then you have nothing to hide," parent Barbara Fede said.

Pequannock School District superintendent Dr. Larrie Reynolds said some students' recent behavior left the district no choice.

"It actually came to a head when last year at the graduation senior trip, that we had students who actually couldn't graduate as a result of their drinking," school board member Dr. Larrie Reynolds said.

Pequannock also has an active Breathalyzer test, similar to what would be used during a police traffic stop. It's a little more intrusive, but administrators believe it sends a clear message about their zero-tolerance policy on alcohol abuse.


*snip*

Pequannock school officials say they avoided running into any privacy issues by making students sign a contract which states they must submit to a Breathalyzer if they want to attend a school social event.

MORE

I don't believe that would hold up in court., and as for the moron who think's okay "if your child isn't doing anything wrong", maybe she'd be willing to submit her house and other property to a search without a warrant just any 'ol time.   :whatever:
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Splashdown

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6729
  • Reputation: +475/-100
  • Out of 9 lives, I spent 7
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2008, 12:46:50 PM »
Normally, I'd agree with you, lug-nut, however:

1. School is not private property. Students lockers, etc. are subject to search without warrants.

2. The breathalyzer's only being used at voluntary events. There's no requirement for students to be at dances, trips, etc.

Our school has lost 7 students in the last 4 years due to driving accidents. These kids underage, and they're at events where their actions could impact other kids. If you're stupid enough to drink underage, for God's sake don't go to school events.
Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you. 
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience attains all that it strives for.
He who has God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
--St. Theresa of Avila



"No crushed ice; no peas." -- Undies

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2008, 12:56:18 PM »
Normally, I'd agree with you, lug-nut, however:

1. School is not private property. Students lockers, etc. are subject to search without warrants. I have no prlblem with that.

2. The breathalyzer's only being used at voluntary events. There's no requirement for students to be at dances, trips, etc.   I do have a problem with that.  These are school sponsored events.  IMO, the test should be conducted ONLY when a real suspicion of drinking is present...and should require the presence or written permission of the parents.

Our school has lost 7 students in the last 4 years due to driving accidents. These kids underage, and they're at events where their actions could impact other kids. If you're stupid enough to drink underage, for God's sake don't go to school events.  Agreed.

If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Splashdown

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6729
  • Reputation: +475/-100
  • Out of 9 lives, I spent 7
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2008, 01:02:49 PM »
Normally, I'd agree with you, lug-nut, however:


2. The breathalyzer's only being used at voluntary events. There's no requirement for students to be at dances, trips, etc.   I do have a problem with that.  These are school sponsored events.  IMO, the test should be conducted ONLY when a real suspicion of drinking is present...and should require the presence or written permission of the parents.



I agree with the written permission of parents; I'd also make that written permission slip a requirement for attendance at school functions.
Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you. 
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience attains all that it strives for.
He who has God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
--St. Theresa of Avila



"No crushed ice; no peas." -- Undies

Offline Ptarmigan

  • Bunny Slayer
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 23532
  • Reputation: +924/-225
  • God Hates Bunnies
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2008, 04:36:10 PM »
I have to agree with Lug-Nut.
Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
-Napoleon Bonaparte

Allow enemies their space to hate; they will destroy themselves in the process.
-Lisa Du

Offline RightCoast

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3438
  • Reputation: +185/-24
  • Semper Fi means more than most will ever know
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2008, 04:39:14 PM »
Normally, I'd agree with you, lug-nut, however:


2. The breathalyzer's only being used at voluntary events. There's no requirement for students to be at dances, trips, etc.   I do have a problem with that.  These are school sponsored events.  IMO, the test should be conducted ONLY when a real suspicion of drinking is present...and should require the presence or written permission of the parents.



I agree with the written permission of parents; I'd also make that written permission slip a requirement for attendance at school functions.


Written permission from the parents that encompasses the use of the breathalyzer would work for me.
nine eleven is a car
nine one one is an emergency service
September 11, 2001 was an attack
Never Forget, or Minimize.

Offline Splashdown

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6729
  • Reputation: +475/-100
  • Out of 9 lives, I spent 7
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2008, 04:42:47 PM »
Of course, zero-tolerance anything is a bad idea.
Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you. 
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience attains all that it strives for.
He who has God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
--St. Theresa of Avila



"No crushed ice; no peas." -- Undies

Offline RightCoast

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3438
  • Reputation: +185/-24
  • Semper Fi means more than most will ever know
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2008, 04:43:33 PM »
Of course, zero-tolerance anything is a bad idea.

Just ask gator.


 :pokingpoop:
nine eleven is a car
nine one one is an emergency service
September 11, 2001 was an attack
Never Forget, or Minimize.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #8 on: January 04, 2008, 05:13:32 PM »
Of course, zero-tolerance anything is a bad idea.

Just ask gator.


 :pokingpoop:
You owe me a monitor cleaning.   :-)
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline RightCoast

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3438
  • Reputation: +185/-24
  • Semper Fi means more than most will ever know
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2008, 05:19:51 PM »
Of course, zero-tolerance anything is a bad idea.

Just ask gator.


 :pokingpoop:
You owe me a monitor cleaning.   :-)

Coupon is in the mail
nine eleven is a car
nine one one is an emergency service
September 11, 2001 was an attack
Never Forget, or Minimize.

Offline foxworthy

  • Probationary (Probie)
  • Posts: 24
  • Reputation: +0/-0
  • Beginning Fresh
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #10 on: January 06, 2008, 09:12:14 PM »
From a civil liberties standpoint, it stinks.  Nanny watches you every step and slaps you down all the time.  OTOH, too many kids are getting killed out there.

This school district had a problem, they dealt with it.


I remember from my high school days that keggers were a major part of the social life of the school.  School events were meant to counter that.
When the game is over, both the pawn and the king are put away in the same box

Offline RightCoast

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3438
  • Reputation: +185/-24
  • Semper Fi means more than most will ever know
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #11 on: January 06, 2008, 09:15:57 PM »
From a civil liberties standpoint, it stinks.  Nanny watches you every step and slaps you down all the time.  OTOH, too many kids are getting killed out there.

This school district had a problem, they dealt with it.


I remember from my high school days that keggers were a major part of the social life of the school.  School events were meant to counter that.

I see the nanny state side too, but like you say kids are dying out there, in ridiculous numbers.
nine eleven is a car
nine one one is an emergency service
September 11, 2001 was an attack
Never Forget, or Minimize.

Offline Splashdown

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6729
  • Reputation: +475/-100
  • Out of 9 lives, I spent 7
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #12 on: January 06, 2008, 09:31:34 PM »
I don't see it as a nanny state issue as much, perhaps, because we're dealing with kids (minors) in a school situation.

If there was parental permission, and if it were used as a means to verify suspicion rather than a random act, I have no problem with it.

Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you. 
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience attains all that it strives for.
He who has God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
--St. Theresa of Avila



"No crushed ice; no peas." -- Undies

Offline LadyLiberty

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1292
  • Reputation: +121/-64
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #13 on: January 06, 2008, 09:47:30 PM »
They are kids who still need nannies. I agree with what they are doing in this case.
"My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me to try to change it."

Barack Obama

Offline Miss Mia

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8052
  • Reputation: +353/-137
Re: Breathalyzer Tests Now The Law At N.J. High School
« Reply #14 on: January 06, 2008, 09:52:09 PM »
I don't really have a problem with this. 

When I was in high school, we didn't have dances other than the prom.  We had to do a breathalizer before entering the prom and before the school sponsored after prom deal.

Also, when the orchestra went on our yearly trip, all of our bags were searched for drugs and alcohol before we left.  The band and choir did the same thing too. 
Stink Eye
"Bloodninja: It doesn't get any more serious than a Rhinocerus about to charge your ass."