Parents & Grandparents Convince Congress to Drug Test Students:

January 8, 2001: Washington, D. C. Today, President Bush will sign his Education Bill recently passed by Congress.

This legislation, for the first time, puts Congress' stamp of approval on student drug testing as a legitimate tool for eliminating illegal drugs from schools. Parents and grandparents view student drug testing as the most valuable part of the bill. It could fix many school problems caused by the use of illegal drugs by students.

When fully implemented in schools throughout the nation, student drug testing programs will significantly reduce student drug use and school violence. It will finally provide the much-needed protection of school children and teachers from the widespread prevalence of dangerous, illegal drugs in schools that has continued virtually unabated for the past third of a century.

"We have no doubt that this legislation will save thousands of young people from becoming school dropouts, a life of addiction, crime, and eventual death." said Joyce Nalepka, President, Drug-Free Kids: America's Challenge.

The parents' anti-drug movement, formed under the Chairmanship of Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, has fought relentlessly for non-punitive student drug testing for 16 years. These parents and grandparents express their profound appreciation for the courageous anti-drug leadership of Mrs. Reagan, President George W. Bush and Representative John Peterson, (R. PA). Congressman Peterson has been the foremost advocate of student drug test legislation in Congress.

For information on the history, legality and effectiveness of student drug testing programs, please contact DeForest Rathbone 703-759-2215, David Evans, esq. 908-788-7077, or Joyce Nalepka 301-681-7861.

Nalepka served as President of Nancy Reagan's National Federation of Parents during the Reagan Administration. Rathbone has been a leader for 16 years in promoting this legislation. Evans also a longtime anti-drug activist has written an amicus brief for the upcoming Supreme Court case on student drug testing.