5512 - TOBACCO USE PREVENTION

The School Board recognizes that the use of tobacco presents a health hazard that can have serious consequences both for the user and the nonuser and is, therefore, of concern to the Board.

For the purposes of this policy "tobacco" is defined to include any lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, and any other smoking product; spit tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew, nicotine pouch and snuff, in any form; and all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as e-cigarettes and vape and hookah pens.

In Indiana, the purchase and possession of tobacco products is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one (21). The use of tobacco products poses health issues for the user and second-hand smoke is a threat to the personal health of others. In addition, nicotine is a powerfully addictive substance and the use of tobacco products could lead to nicotine addiction.

In order to protect students who choose not to use tobacco from an environment that might be harmful to them, the Board prohibits the use and/or possession of tobacco by students at all times within any facility owned or leased or contracted for by the Board. The Board also prohibits the use and/or possession of tobacco anywhere on the campus of any facility owned or leased or contracted for by the Board, including, but not limited to, practice fields, playgrounds, football fields, baseball fields, softball fields, pool areas, soccer fields, tennis courts, and all open areas and shall remain in effect at all times. Furthermore, the Board prohibits the use and/or possession of tobacco in all vehicles owned or operated by the Board, including, but not limited to, school buses, special purpose buses, vans, trucks, and cars.

The administration of each school building shall take appropriate action, as provided for in the Student Code of Conduct, in cases involving students who use and/or possess tobacco in violation of this policy.

Revised 10/21/17

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