Resolution - Tobacco Free Schools

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Board of Directors
Commending School Districts Adopting '24/7' Tobacco-Free Campus Policies
August 17, 2005

WHEREAS if tobacco use is prevented during childhood and adolescence, it is unlikely it will be initiated in adulthood; and

WHEREAS children consistently overestimate the number of tobacco users and that perceived social acceptance of tobacco use, accurate or otherwise, influences adolescent tobacco use behavior; and

WHEREAS the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Guidelines for School Health Programs to Prevent Tobacco Use and Addiction recommend adoption of school policies prohibiting any use of tobacco on school property, in school vehicles, and at school-sponsored events; and

WHEREAS the National Association of State Boards of Education has found that schools must play an essential role in communicating to young people a tobacco-free message through school policy and that schools have a responsibility to help prevent tobacco use for the sake of students and staff members health and the well-being of their families; and

WHEREAS the National Association of State Boards of Education has also found that a tobacco-free environment is fundamental in any school effort designed to prevent or reduce tobacco addiction in young people and that adoption of a tobacco-free policy broadcasts a clear message to students, staff, parents, and the community that school leaders consider the issue important; and

WHEREAS tobacco-free campus policies are an essential part of a coordinated school health program through which teachers, students, families, administrators and community leaders deliver consistent messages about tobacco use; and

WHEREAS tobacco-free school campus policies support and reinforce prevention messages delivered in classrooms by sending clear, consistent non-use messages; and

WHEREAS adoption of a tobacco-free campus policy helps to lay the foundation for future implementation of additional tobacco prevention efforts within the school; and

WHEREAS a tobacco-free campus policy helps to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors by reducing exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke; and

WHEREAS public opinion polls indicate strong support for a complete ban on the use of any tobacco products at school-sponsored events;

BE IT NOW RESOLVED that the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund Board of Directors and Board of Investors hereby recognize and commend the Oklahoma State School Boards Association for supporting the adoption of "24/7" tobacco-free campus policies by school districts throughout Oklahoma.

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