School May Require Breathalyzer Test at Prom

rockin'robin

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Proposal An Effort To Curb Underage Drinking

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A principal at a Portland high school plans to force every student to prove they're sober to get into prom this year, Portland TV station KPTV reported.

Grant High School could become the first school in the district to require students to pass a Breathalyzer test to attend a school dance.

Principal Joseph Malone's plan calls for school resource officers to administer the tests while a representative with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission observes the procedures, according to Portland Public Schools officials.

"If this goes forward, it will certainly be a first for our district," said Matt Shelby, a spokesman for Portland Public Schools.

Shelby said some schools in the district have performed random testing in the past, but passing a Breathalyzer test has never been a requirement to attend a school dance. He said the test is not against district policy.

"He has checked in with the district. We're treating this as an individual school decision," Shelby said. "So, as the principal, he is within his rights to do that."

Some Grant High School students said the tests won't be popular.

"Not that I want to get drunk or anybody else wants to get drunk, but I mean, it's infringing on personal to me," student Jaques Montgomery said. "If I don't do drugs, why should I have to take a drug test?"

One group of seniors worried the Breathalyzer tests could open the door to more testing at school functions.

"If we're here and we have to take Breathalyzer tests, what's next," Grant senior Kenneth Acker said. "Are we going to have to just take a Breathalyzer test before we come to school and at any school event?"

But Malone's concern for safety may trump student opinion. District officials said his plan is a result of underage drinking.

"This is in response to some issues they have had in the past with students coming to prom intoxicated," Shelby said.

The decision has not been finalized, but Malone is in talks with police and the OLCC to make sure his students stay sober before attending the dance.

Some students felt the tests would make prom safer.

"I think it's a good plan because you don't want conflict at prom," student Trayce Bell said. "It's supposed to be the best night of your senior year."

Malone was not available to speak about his plan Wednesday.

School May Require Breathalyzer Test At Prom - Irresistible News Story - WJXT Jacksonville
 
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