Judge: Pa. teen who refused drug test can go to prom

JIM THORPE, Pa. (AP) — A judge has issued a preliminary injunction preventing a Pennsylvania high school from barring a student from the prom because he refused to take a drug test.

The judge’s ruling allows Panther Valley senior Jeremy Thomas to attend tonight’s prom with his classmates.

Carbon County Judge Steven Serfass on Wednesday determined the district can’t begin a testing program without demonstrating it a widespread problem with drug use.

The district had required students participating in extracurricular activities submit to random drug testing. The district says students who take part in such activities are obligated to be role models. Thomas and the American Civil Liberties Union sued over the policy.

The Morning Call of Allentown reports Thomas is an Eagle Scout and Junior ROTC member. A final ruling is still pending.