FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura E. Norfolk
DATIA, Executive Director
800-355-1257
January 21, 2004, Alexandria, VA - In President Bush’s State of the Union Address last evening, he announced a $25 million initiative for a pilot plan to fund drug testing in schools. This initiative far surpasses any previous federal initiative aimed at deterring drug use amongst students through the use of drug testing. In his address, President Bush stated, “Drug testing in our schools has proven to be an effective tool to save our children’s lives. The aim here is not to punish children, but to send them this message: ‘We love you and we do not want to lose you.’”
The Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) commends the President on his commitment to reducing drug use by children and young adults, and on his recognition of this effective tool. “The President’s public endorsement of student drug testing is something that will assist many schools in moving forward with the implementation of drug testing programs. While the money from the initiative will help financially, the President’s public backing of such programs provides even more support. For those schools challenged by critics arguing that student drug testing is not normal, is too controversial, or is not effective, they can now refer to the President’s support of such programs,” stated executive director Laura Shelton.
The President’s support for student drug testing is just the beginning. Congressman John E. Peterson (PA), a long-time advocate for drug testing in schools, responded to the President's call for additional funding for drug testing programs and will be introducing legislation this week that authorizes $25 million in grants to help school districts develop and implement effective drug testing programs. The legislation, "Empowering Parents and Teachers for a Drug Free Education Act of 2004," provides basic guidelines to ensure the accuracy of testing methods, parental consent, and confidentiality of student test results, but gives school districts broad flexibility to implement a drug testing program that fits their community. The funding and technical assistance provided by Rep. Peterson’s bill is much need by schools looking to implement student drug testing programs.
DATIA, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1995 and has grown to represent over 1,100 members from all facets of the drug and alcohol testing industry. DATIA works closely with key policy makers in federal agencies and in Congress, as well as the industry, to promote effective drug testing standards, practices, and initiatives. DATIA has worked for several years to promote the benefits of student drug testing including Congressional testimony in support of federal initiatives; joining with other interested organizations to submit an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of student drug testing programs; and holding educational sessions on how to implement effective student drug testing programs. For complete information on the association, visit www.datia.org.
