VERONIA SCHOOL DISTRICT V. ACTON - STUDENT DRUG TEST (SEARCH?)

Last updated over 2 years ago

1 question

Note from the author:

Read the Facts / Issue / Case History and answer the question below.  Use the OYEZ case summary to help

Instructions

Read the Facts / Issue / Case History and answer the question below.  Use the OYEZ case summary to help

FACTS: 

A school district adopted a policy authorizing random drug testing of student athletes.
There was a known drug problem in the school district.  Student athletes were among the drug users and dealers.  Along with the drug problem came serious student behavior issues.  By 1989, disciplinary actions had reached ‘epic proportions,’ motivating the district to introduce the Student Athlete Drug Policy.  James Acton, a 7th grader, refused the testing, and his parents refused to consent to the testing.  Because of this, he was not allowed to participate in football.  He sued the school district for violating his rights.

ISSUE:

Does random drug testing of a public school student by a school official violate the 4th Amendment?

CASE HISTORY:

The U.S. District Court of Oregon agreed with the school district.  Mr. Acton appealed to the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which reversed, saying the drug testing policy violated the constitutional rights of students.  The school district then asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.

VERONIA SCHOOL DISTRICT V. ACTON - STUDENT DRUG TEST (SEARCH?)

What do you think the Supreme Court Decided?