(Image source from: Breathalyzer Test set to introduce at a New Jersey High School})

A New Jersey high school is going to be enforced a controversial new Breathalyzer Test to the students. School administrators hope that Breathalyzer Test will be helpful to avoid students from drinking before school sponsored events.

According to school administration, students have to prove that they are not under the  influence of alcohol before events otherwise they are not eligible to participate in school dances and sporting events.

Dr. Michael LaSusa, Superintendent, School District of the Chathams said, “We’ve had incidents in which students have arrived at school sponsored events intoxicated and in some instances we’ve needed to call emergency personnel to assist the students.”

According to school authorities, the last recent incident happened just past week during a football game.

The Chatham Board of Education voted to update a policy that authorizes the use of breathalyzers at dances, athletic events, class trips, and even assemblies.

Darren Groh, Principal of Chatham High School, said, “We would pick those students out of the line and administer the test. If it was positive we would notify the parent and send the student out for professional testing at the clinic or emergency room.”

The district still does not have any breathalyzer machines, while the policy is on papers since 2008. Even the policy has not been imposed yet.

 “I would hope that these kids would use some common sense and not be drinking, but unfortunately they do, so when they do,  they should get caught,” Elia Sheldon, a parent said.

“If the staff and administrators think something is going on, I think a breathalyzer would be great,” Jerrilyn Lepore said.

On the other hand, Students had mixed opinions about the newly revised policy.

“It’s not a bad idea, but I would just breathalyze people who are stumbling, because that’s happened before,” said by a student.

A letter will be sent to parents of all high school students regarding the function of breath test machine said school authorities.

-Nandini