Nosson Scherman

On June 26, 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that schools have the right to test student-athletes for drugs. In the following viewpoint, Nosson Scherman argues that this decision was justified. Scherman asserts that children are not necessarily entitled to the same rights as adults, in part because public safety at schools sometimes needs to take precedence over a student’s individual rights. In addition, Scherman contends, student-athletes should remain drug free because they serve as role models to their peers. Scherman is the general editor of Mesorah Publications, a publisher of Jewish books.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Scherman’s view, why did the Supreme Court consider a drug testing case based in Vernonia, Oregon, as opposed to one set in a larger city?
2. According to the author, what...