Student Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Student Drug and Alcohol Abuse

The following section contains general information about student drug and alcohol abuse and related issues. More information about consequences for a student’s use and/or abuse of alcohol and drugs can be found in the Student Behavior and Discipline section of this Handbook.

Definitions
Drug abuse shall refer to the use, possession, or ingestion of narcotics, stimulants, hallucinogens, depressants, (e.g., marijuana, alcohol), and other illicit substances, including but not limited to tobacco in any form, vaping, juuling and the improper use of prescription or over-the-counter medications, inhalants, or other substances. Drug abuse also includes the use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Possession is defined as the use of a student’s person, clothing, purse, or any other receptacle carried by the student and includes the school locker, desk, or any other school property used to hide illicit drugs or look-alike drugs or drug use paraphernalia.

School environment is defined as school property, on a bus traveling to and from school or a school-sponsored event, or while engaged in a school-supervised activity (including being a spectator) before school, after school, evenings, or weekends.

Enforcement and Supervision
Public law prohibits illegal drug abuse by any person, including young people. The Board requires that all disciplinary and behavior guidelines used in District 96 schools shall have, as their objective, the absolute prohibition from schools the use, possession, or distribution of any illegal substance or drug, look-alikes, or drug paraphernalia. For purposes of the policy, students who are under the influence of drugs shall be treated the same as though they had drugs in their possession. The Board reserves the right to search the student’s person, clothing, purse, or any other school property used to hide illicit drugs, look-alike drugs, or drug use paraphernalia. Enforcement penalties may include suspension or expulsion from school.

Consequences for Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Drug abuse poses a grave danger to our students and will not be tolerated in the school environment. Consequences for drug and alcohol abuse will vary depending upon the circumstances of each case, but may include prevention efforts, suspension or expulsion from school.

Cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies
Any individual engaging in any illicit activity related to drugs or their use on the school property or while engaged in a school-supervised activity is to be referred to the local law enforcement agency. Students’ rights to due process shall be protected during these proceedings, consistent with student behavior policies. School officials will consider the filing of appropriate charges.