RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Union officials say they oppose random drug and alcohol testing of teachers being sought by some school districts in the United States.
Michael Simpson, National Education Association assistant general counsel, said his group opposes proposals to require teachers working in school districts such as the one in Graham County, N.C., to submit to random drug tests, USA Today reported Monday.
"It would be, in our view, a waste of money because there is no problem that a drug-testing program can address," Simpson said of the proposals from individual districts.
American Civil Liberties Union staff attorney Adam Wolf said a very limited number of school districts nationwide have called for such testing.
Former Graham County School Board chairman Mitch Colvard supports drug testing teachers, saying such acts will help protect children.
"I think when I put my kids in their hands, they lose their rights," Colvard told USA Today. "My rights are more important."
The newspaper said at least one school official has suggested the call for teacher drug testing was due to a number of teacher drug use reports.
