JCBE/POLICY FILE: 453

Approved: 9/30/88

PROHIBITION OF SM0KING AT SCH0OL

There exists overwhelming documentation that the use of tobacco affects one's health adversely. The Surgeon General of the United States has communicated the hazards of smoking to the citizenry and warnings of such harmful effects appear on all cigarette packages. Accordingly, Alabama law (Code of Alabama, 13A-12-3) prohibits the sale of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 19 years. It provides further that drug abuse education, including tobacco use, be taught to all pupils in grades K-12 (Code of Alabama, 16-41-7).

In response to the aforementioned directives and to its obligation to provide a healthful school environment, the Board expressly prohibits smoking by students on any school property during the school day. In addition, no student shall be in possession of tobacco while on school property during the school day.