Marijuana Policy Project

The Louisville Municipal School District Board of Trustees added a new drug policy for 2007-08 but did not settle on a district-wide uniform policy.

With a unanimous vote, the trustees implemented a drug and alcohol testing policy of all athletes in the school district. According to the policy, all student athletes in grades 9-12 will be required to undergo testing at the start of the athletic season in which they are participating. The athletes could also face random drug testing and any athlete found under reasonable suspicion could be tested at any time.

The athletes could face several penalties if test show drug or alcohol use. The student would be subject to suspension from all athletic activities if they fail to meet the requirements of the policy.

For the first violation, the student would be suspended from athletic activities for a minimum of two weeks and may be required to receive counseling. A second violation would result in suspension from participating in any sport for the duration of the school year. The suspension may carry over into the following school year to meet an eight-week minimum of suspension and the student must undergo mandatory counseling. For a third violation, the student would be suspended for one full calendar year from any activities and would undergo mandatory counseling. A fourth violation would result in indefinite or permanent barring of the student from activities and the school would continue to offer the "barred" student counseling services.

Also under the policy, school officials with reasonable cause may inspect a students' vehicle on campus, book bags, lockers or other belongings to ensure a school environment free of prohibited substances.

According to the policy, the intent is to create a safe environment for all students, which can be aided by "appropriate precautions" such as the new policy.