I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to maintain a learning and working environment that is tobacco free.
II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
A. Smoking or use of tobacco, tobacco-related devices, or electronic cigarettes is prohibited on all school district property. This prohibition extends to all facilities, whether owned, rented, or leased, and all vehicles that a school district owns, leases, rents, contracts for, or controls. In addition, this prohibition includes vehicles used, in whole or in part, for work purposes, during hours of school operation, if more than one person is present. This prohibition includes all school district property and all off-campus events sponsored by the school district.
B. The school district will act to enforce this policy and to discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, school personnel, or person who is found to have violated this policy.
III. EXCEPTIONS
A. A violation of this policy does not occur when an Indigenous adult, as defined by Minnesota Statute 144.4165, utilizes tobacco on school district property as a part of a traditional Indigenous spiritual or cultural ceremony. A violation of this policy does not occur when an Indigenous student carries a medicine pouch containing loose tobacco intended as observance of traditional spiritual or cultural practices.
B. A violation of this policy does not occur when an adult nonstudent possesses a tobacco or nicotine product that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product, as a tobacco dependence product, or for other medical purposes, and is being marketed and sold solely for such an approved purpose.
IV. DISSEMINATION OF POLICY
The prohibition established by this policy must be communicated to students and employees through applicable student and employee handbooks.
Adopted/Revised
Revised: 11/21/23
Adopted: 10/16/01 (formerly Policy 902.1 - 10/6/98)
(formerly Policy 1339)
Revised: 7/11//89
Legal References
Minn. Stat. §§ 144.411-144.417 (Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act)