Parents Ordered By School to Attend Drug, Alcohol Abuse Meeting

(CBS/AP) Some parents of Swampscott High School students in Massachusetts are objecting to a note from school officials ordering them to attend a "mandatory" meeting on drug and alcohol abuse.

The order to attend the Jan. 10 meeting includes warnings that failure by parents to show could jeopardize their children's eligibility for sports and other extracurricular activities.

Judith Brooks, the mother of a freshman, tells The Salem News that while she understands the importance of addressing drug and alcohol abuse, the school has no legal right to compel parents to attend.

Principal Layne Millington says a survey last year suggested the drug and alcohol problem in Swampscott is worse than in surrounding communities. He says parents' involvement in fighting substance abuse is critical.

What do you think about this meeting? Has your child's school ever mandated attendance for parents in this way?