ACLU objects to breath test; Students at dances targeted.

Byline: Donna Boynton

GRAFTON - The American Civil Liberties Union is objecting to the School Committee's proposal to require students attending school dances to submit to a Breathalyzer test.

The School Committee has been debating how to best develop a policy and protocol, and it is expected to continue that discussion Monday night.

Superintendent Joseph Conners could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon; neither could School Committee Chairman Daryl Rynning.

According to a press release from the Worcester County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, the organization was contacted by a parent of a Grafton student concerning the School Committee's proposal.

In a statement that was released by the ACLU and submitted to the School Committee, Ronal C. Madnick, director of the ACLU's Worcester County Chapter, said the Breathalyzer constitutes an unreasonable search, and as such is a violation of the students' constitutional rights.

"Students should not have to give up their constitutional rights in order to be able to take part in what should be a fun, happy event," Mr. Madnick's statement read. "We are neither unmindful nor sympathetic to the great responsibility of the school in supervising a large group of high school students. There are alternatives that will respect student rights and deal with a problem of student use of alcohol."

Mr. Madnick also cited the sensitivity of the Breathalyzer machines, saying that false positives can register from mouthwash, cough syrup and other medications.

"A false accusation of alcohol may be embarrassing to a student who is refused admission to the prom," Mr. Madnick said. "Imposing these tests at school events will deter students from attending, not because they are guilty, but because they may not want to be subjected to this kind of treatment."