Catholic high school in Ohio to drug test all of its students in 2020

A Catholic high school in Ohio is enforcing mandatory drug tests for all students, beginning in January 2020. 

A letter sent to parents from the Stephen T Badin High School in Hamilton describes how the ‘Health and Wellness Initiative’ will be ‘required drug testing of all students.’ 

‘This decision was carefully made over a two year process by the administrative team at Badin High School with the support of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati,’ the statement reads. 

Through the drug test, the school’s administration hopes to strengthen students’ ability to fight peer pressure, providing ‘parents greater peace of mind.’

‘Given the great pressures our students face, now is the time to take an even aggressive stance against the threat of drug use,’ the statement added.

The administration plans to inform families of when and what kind of drug tests their children will be taking. Test will be administered by Great Lakes Biomedical.  

The school will only respond to tests that come back positive for drugs. Those students’ parents or guardian will then be notified, along with any necessary medical or counseling personnel that may be needed. 

All students will be tested at least once a year, according to the release. Students can also be tested if staff members suspect that they may be under the influence. 

Students can also be expected to be tested randomly and the school adds that there is ‘no maximum’ to how many times a student can be tested.

The school has an ‘Intervention Matrix’ used to discipline students who test positive for drugs. 

The school will only respond to tests that come back positive for drugs

Students who fail the drug test on three occasions, risk expulsion

First offenses will not result in disciplinary action and parents can request an immediate second test if they believe their child’s results were a false positive. 

Second time offenders will have to participate in a ‘comprehensive intervention plan’ and be repeatedly tested for drugs throughout the year. 

‘All expenses for drug and alcohol assessments and treatment programs are to be covered by the student and their parent/guardian,’ the release continues. 

Third time offenders risk expulsion from the school.  

‘We believe that there is a spiritual aspect to all drug and alcohol abuse and that the abuse of these substances is an attempt on some level to fill a void that was meant to be filled only by God,’ the release continues. 

‘Thus, in addition, spiritual counseling by a priest, minister or a person of the faith is highly recommended. 

Drug testing is required by all students wishing to attend the school. 

Test will be administered by Great Lakes Biomedical and are mandatory for all students

Students refusing to do so will be treated as if they tested positively. Those who also try to tamper their tests will be treated as if they tested positively. 

Senior students who fail the test within 90 days of graduation must complete the intervention steps before getting their diplomas. 

Those that fail a second time will not be allowed to participate in the Badin High School senior awards ceremony or graduation. 

In their letter, the school’s administration explains that popularity in vaping products helped motivate the change.    

The entire statement and policy is accessible online.