In today’s fast-paced world, employers are finding themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to hiring decisions. The latest challenge? Deciding whether or not to test potential employees for drug use. This has become even more complicated with the growing acceptance of marijuana use. A study from Quest Diagnostics reveals that more than 352,000 drug tests came back positive for marijuana, suggesting a cloud—quite literally—hanging over the workforce.
Some employers have thrown in the towel entirely, opting out of marijuana drug testing. This might seem shocking, but as half of the companies admit, they would lose too many potential hires if they kept testing. Apparently, staffing with candidates free from substances can be as elusive as finding a unicorn. Even some schools, those bastions of innocence and enlightenment, have decided that filling vacant positions is more important than ensuring teachers’ sobriety. One Virginia school district recently chose to stop drug testing new hires, and parents are understandably worried about educators possibly being under the influence in the classroom.
Take a look at Spotsylvania County School District, which serves as a rather eye-opening, albeit somewhat dreadful, example of this trend. This district previously dealt with a teacher engaging in erratic behavior after allegedly having drugs delivered to school. Not to mention, her husband was found overdosed in the parking lot with their toddler in tow. Yet, in a presumably brilliant stroke of decision-making, the board voted against testing new hires for drugs. Because nothing screams “qualified educator” like a side of unpredictability!
Some might argue that employees should be treated with respect and not subjected to drug testing that may imply mistrust. However, when it comes to safeguarding the minds of future generations, a little caution seems in order. It’s amusing to ponder the notion that the “burden” of not indulging in hard drugs could potentially outweigh the benefits of ensuring educators aren’t influenced by anything other than, perhaps, an inspirational TED Talk. When the very safety and environment where children are molded come into question, you’d think common sense would prevail over convenience.
Perhaps this is all part of a bigger picture of societal change, where, in the grand tradition of Captain Obvious, the rules are slowly being rewritten. One school board member candidly pointed out that avoiding pre-employment drug screening for substances like methamphetamines only slightly narrows the stupor loophole. What a relief! All sarcasm aside, it’s clear that the community, especially parents, needs to stand up and demand transparency and safety from their schools. After all, while we want our teachers to be visionary leaders, the last thing anyone wants is for them to be seeing visions of a completely different kind!
