Case Brief: Vernonia v. Wayne Acton

Case Citation

("Vernonia School District 47j, Petitioner V. Wayne Acton, Et Ux., Etc.", 1995)

Facts

An official investigation done by the district found that athletes were leaders of the drug culture movement that was currently a menace in Vernonia school. This became a cause of concern because drugs increase the likelihood of sports-related injuries. In addition, they affect memory, motivation, coordination, reaction, performance, and judgment. This concern was based on the observations of the wrestling and football coach, who had witnessed a severe sternum injury of one of the wrestlers and an increase in performance issues among football players. After all the intervention methods by the district court, such as counseling, failed, the court decided to conduct a mandatory drug testing program after the suggestion was approved by all the parents of student-athletes. However, the parents of James Acton refused to sign forms allowing James to participate in the test and therefore was denied participation in football. The Actons filed a suit seeking exemption from this rule.