USE OF TOBACCO AND NICOTINE BY STUDENTS | Administrative Guideline Manual

5512 - USE OF TOBACCO AND NICOTINE BY STUDENTS

Board Policy 5512 - Use of Tobacco and Nicotine by Students recognizes that the use of tobacco products, as well as other nicotine delivery systems, such as electronic smoking devices, are a health, safety, and environmental hazard for students, staff, visitors, and school facilities. The Board is acutely aware of the serious health risks associated with the use of these products, both to users and non-users, and that their use or promotion on school grounds and at off-campus school-sponsored events is detrimental to the health and safety of students, staff, and visitors.

Ceremonial Tobacco

The Administration recognizes that some nicotine usage has a cultural significance, particularly within Indigenous communities. Nothing in these guidelines is intended to infringe upon the legitimate exercise of cultural beliefs or ceremonial representations. In the event of a potential conflict between the Board's policy prohibiting the use or possession of nicotine-containing products and a student's exercise of cultural traditions, the Administration shall consult with appropriate tribal representatives to apply this guideline and Board Policy 5512 - Use of Tobacco and Nicotine by Students in a manner that respects such cultural significance.

Implementation and Accountability

Responsibility for the oversight and implementation of Board Policy 5512 - Use of Tobacco and Nicotine by Students is the responsibility of all staff. enforcement processes are delegated to the Principal and Pupil Services Department. The District administration may review data and policy initiatives to inform decisions related to the improvement of enforcement efforts.

Notification To The Public

The District may inform students, staff, caregivers, and the public, in the student handbook, about the existence of the policy.

Tiered Approach to Violations of the Policy

Any student violating Board Policy 5512 - Use of Tobacco and Nicotine by Students may be subjected to disciplinary action. In addition, the District recognizes the addictive qualify of nicotine and therefore the value in supporting students through education and cessation efforts in any students' efforts to cease use of tobacco or other products containing nicotine.

Community Partners

To support students in abstaining from or reducing tobacco product use and complying with Policy 5512 - Use of Tobacco and Nicotine by Students, the district may consult with health insurers, the local public health department, and/or other community-based organizations to provide information about and access to free or low-cost evidence-based programs and services for tobacco prevention and cessation.