By Shannon Donahue
Staff Writer

The 2009 – 2010 school year has been one for the records, at least from a student’s point of view.

Rumors are spreading like fire that up to twenty students have been excluded from school. Even more are likely to be searched by the end of this year.

Compared to other years, these numbers have increased significantly.

Although no records are kept on searches, all of the deans agree that the number of searches seems to be the highest in history.

With so many searches having been conducted, the question arose, as to whether or not the school really does have the right to search in cars, on the person, and even in lockers.

One Supreme Court ruling states, that unless a school official has a reasonable suspicion with reliable evidence, they have no right to conduct a search on a student.

What is reasonable suspicion, though?

According to Dean Michael Parent, a piece of evidence can range from an anonymous tip, to “visibly seeing a student with an unsteady walk, and strong odor” and even input from a nurse.

So, going back to that question, as to whether the school officials really do have the right to search, I fully agree with what they have been doing.

As long as the administrator provides sufficient evidence, they need not a warrant, and can search the said person’s bag, car, and even their pockets.

At the beginning of the school year, each senior who purchased a parking pass signed a parking contract.

According to the deans, numbers two and three on that contract are agreeing to the fact that the school does in fact have the right to search the car if suspicion arises.

The sad part of this whole situation is that it brings up one common question. How unintelligent, and irresponsible can one get? Honestly, if you are bringing drugs into school, you deserve to get searched.

The school is no place for drugs.

I’m not entirely sure if these drugs are being handled at school because kids feel there is less of a chance of getting caught here than at home, but the real answer is nowhere really has a lower chance.

Another side of this whole issue, is health. The administrators are trying to keep students safe and healthy. Overusing, and in some cases, using drugs at all is not safe. Even over the counter drugs, if not properly used, can lead to your body being damaged, so much so, that even death can result.

So, let the administration do their job, and just stop being irresponsible (if you are one of those kids).

The simple fact is, if you do the crime, you do the time.