While a breathalyzer is not needed for medical purposes, Isham Health Center Faculty support the policy as a way to discourage substance abuse by implementing a scientific way to prove alcohol consumption. The possible introduction of a breathalyzer in the Isham Health Center has raised concerns for the privacy of students, but test results would be confidential. Members of Isham have been involved in conversation concerning the installation of a breathalyzer. Medical reasons do not necessitate a breathalyzer. If a student’s alcohol level needed to be determined, it would have to be done so through a blood level test, not a breathalyzer. Therefore, a breathalyzer serves the sole purpose of determining whether or not alcohol was consumed. School Physician Dr. Richard Keller said, “The breathalyzer would serve to encourage trust between students and faculty if it is used as intended. If a student is suspected of drug or alcohol use, and denies it, the breathalyzer can be used to prove innocence. Now, there is often mistrust between deans and accused students, and [a breathalyzer] could improve the system.” The breathalyzer would be placed in Isham for practicality reasons and to make students feel more at ease while being tested. Most students caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol are brought to Isham for a health examination, so placing the breathalyzer there is convenient. Students would be given the option of having a nurse or their Cluster Dean administer the breathalyzer. A breathalyzer policy might also incite a change in the “in the presence of” rule. In the past, some students have admitted to drinking and others have denied it. In these cases it has been simpler to put all students present on Probation. A breathalyzer would eliminate that uncertainty. Dr. Keller said, “I suspect it will be modified; probably there will be some measure of discipline for everyone in the room, but it will be easier for Deans to determine who has committed the more serious infraction.” Dr. Keller hopes that Isham will continue to be a place where students feel comfortable and safe, and assures students that if they come with drug or alcohol related issues, their privacy “will still be respected with the confidentiality expected by law and medical ethics.” According to Dr. Keller, Isham faculty and staff believe the breathalyzer will be beneficial if used as proposed. Dr. Keller said, “I am all for any intervention which will help kids make healthy and mindful choices on the weekends. If this discouraged [drug and alcohol] use, then I’m all for it as long as it is used with respect for individuals’ confidentiality.”
