The American Civil Liberties Union filed what...

The American Civil Liberties Union filed what could become a precedent-setting court challenge to the University of Colorado’s random drug-testing program for athletes.

The school is violating its athletes’ constitutional rights to privacy, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures and due process of law, according to the lawsuit filed in Boulder District Court. It is the first such action against a university.

The university launched its mandatory drug-testing program in 1984. In August, the school strengthened the program by testing athletes more frequently and increasing the penalties for those who tested positive for drugs.

The school’s drug-testing program is one of the toughest in the nation and also includes counseling and therapy for those who are suspended after testing positive for drugs. The tests are for several substances, including cocaine, marijuana and anabolic steroids.