The Maryville City School District in Tennessee will begin drug testing some of its student athletes after a board vote on Dec. 14.
The new policy calls for drug testing of certain Maryville Junior High School and Maryville High School athletes who park on campus and participate in Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association events, according to The Daily Times.
Some community members expressed concern about the new system, but Maryville Director of Schools Mike Winstead said the testing will be a tool to prevent student drug abuse. Parents must consent to the tests before their child can undergo them.
The system will use saliva swabs or urine samples to test for amphetamines, cocaine, extended opiates, marijuana and opiates.
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If students refuse the tests or their parents do not consent they will be treated as if they failed the test.
The first time a student tests positive the district will inform the student’s family and place the student on a testing list. The second time a student tests positive the family is responsible for drug treatment or the student is suspended. The third time a student tests positive the student will be suspended from the sports programs he or she is in.
