In Detroit Tuesday, the ONDCP hosted a surprise summit promoting random student drug testing. Since 2004 the agency has traversed the country hosting four summits a year, but the Detroit summit was the fifth for 2007, and was not advertised on the ONDCP website.
 
With the summit under wraps, opponents of random student drug testing had short notice to organize their response. Even so, they were able to amass a strong, persuasive presence at the event. Students, educators and concerned citizens attended, distributing materials to educators and asking sharp questions.
 
Chris Chiles, Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy's University of Michigan Chapter, reported that the majority of educators were very open to opponents' materials and concerns. He was able to ask a question verbally--a first at these summits--and his fellow chapter members submitted tough written questions. Educators also questioned speakers about how they measured the success of drug testing programs.

One presenter struggled to respond to the question of how suspending students from the right to participate in extracurricular activities--the very activities that provide structure and supervision--helps those who test positive. The speaker retorted that schools are not required to punish students in this manner. However, the majority of schools with programs do punish students by barring them from extracurricular participation.

“The summit was an eye opener for me.  I came away shaken by the continued push for total random drug testing,” said Mike Whitty, Professor of Management and Labor Relations at the University of Detroit Mercy. “I am glad I attended. It helps to listen to the other side; it makes us stronger and more effective.” 

Coinciding with the summit, the Detroit News published an op-ed by Jennifer Kern, coordinator of DPA's Drug Testing Fails Our Youth campaign, about the summits. The Michigan Daily published a powerful letter to the editor written by SSDP’s Chris Chiles that describes the group’s efforts at the summit. 
 
On the same day, across the country in southern California, a school board member hosted a community forum to give parents the chance to examine the premise of drug testing. A physician presented at this forum on the potential harms of drug testing, and a retired professor spoke about promising alternatives that will help students thrive.
 
Kern said, "Parents, educators, and health professionals are looking for the best way to keep students safe. Unquestioning acceptance of drug testing is harmful, and the more we ask questions, the more effectively we can respect and support young people."