The outrage over recent police drug tests in and around some Luxembourgish secondary schools is not receding. On Tuesday the national conference of pupils in Luxembourg (CNEL) issued a statement strongly condemning these tests. The CNEL denounces the fact that all pupils are being put under general suspicion by being selected for random drug tests. Anybody refusing this test, can expect disciplinary measures by his or her school.

The CNEL has a point in criticising the results themselves, as the consumption of cannabis is detectable over a long period of time and the exact time of intake can therefore not be established. The pupils' representation wants to differentiate between cannabis consumption just before or during school hours and consumption outside of school hours, for example weekends or holidays. In the latter case, pupils should, under no circumstances, be held accountable by their schools, claims the CNEL.

The representative body is also questioning the legality of these tests, as parents of minors have to approve these drug tests. The CNEL is therefore calling on the education ministry to review the legitimacy of these examinations. Instead of tests, which are all about repression, schools should be looking at ways to improve their awareness campaigns regarding the risks of illegal drug consumption, says the CNEL.

The question is also being put forward, why teachers and other staff are exempt from the controversial tests.

The CNEL is demanding that the examinations can only take place if there is a clear suspicion and only upon approval of parents and pupils. Furthermore, the legality of these actions should be re-examined and a fundamental debate about the drug problem in our society should take place.