The most common argument in favor of randomized drug testing is that it deters drug use. The prospect of being kicked off of a team or out of a club because of failing a test will encourage students to say no to drugs. The hope is that students will give up drug use rather than risk giving up the social connections and prestige of extracurricular activities.
With a drug testing policy in place, administrators hope to increase social pressures from peers to not do drugs or ingest alcohol. When peers know about a drug testing policy, they will put pressure on teammates or fellow group members to avoid taking drugs and avoid being at parties where alcohol is served. Drug testing policies also give students an easy-to-explain reason to say "no" if peers pressure them to take drugs.
In the case Vernonia vs. Acton in 1995, the Supreme Court upheld a randomized drug testing program for all athletes. The Court agreed that the school could require all who wanted to participate in extracurricular activities to agree to randomized drug testing, even if they are not suspected of doing drugs. The Court said that participating in extracurricular activities is a privilege, and that students wishing to participate in those programs can expect a reduced measure of privacy. The Court balanced the school's interest in promoting a drug-free environment against the privacy of the student, and weighed in favor of the school.
Illicit drug use is a rampant problem among teens. Studies clearly show that those teens who engage in drug use also engage in other high-risk activities, leading to a more dangerous environment for all students. School districts have a responsibility to provide a safe and effective learning environment, therefore they are required to do all they can to limit unsafe behaviors. This may mean random drug testing.
Having a randomized drug testing policy sends a clear message to students, dealers and the community that drug use is not acceptable. Knowing that a school district is serious about fighting drug use among students may deter students from drug use in itself.