DCVPA promotes the health and safety of all students and staff and the cleanliness of all school facilities. DCVPA believes that the use of tobacco products on school grounds, in school buildings and facilities, in or on any other school property owned, leased or operated by the school, or at school-related or school-sponsored events is detrimental to the health and safety of students, staff, and school visitors. To this end, and to comply with state and federal law, DCVPA adopts this tobacco-free policy that prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products as follows. For the purposes of this policy, the term “tobacco product” means any product that contains or is made or derived from tobacco and is intended for human consumption, including all lighted and smokeless tobacco products, as well as electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and other electronic smoking devices even if they do not contain tobacco or nicotine.

1. All employees and other persons performing services or activities on behalf of the school, including volunteers, and contractors, as well as students and visitors, are prohibited from using any tobacco products at any time in any school building, in any school facility, on school campuses, and in or on any other school property owned, leased or operated by the school.

2. In addition, persons attending a school-sponsored event at a location not specified in subsection 1 above are prohibited from using tobacco products when (a) in the presence of students or school personnel, or (b) in an area where use of tobacco products is otherwise prohibited by law. 

3. Nothing in this policy prohibits the use of tobacco products for an instructional or research activity conducted in a school building, provided that such activity is conducted or supervised by a faculty member and that the activity does not include smoking, chewing, or otherwise ingesting tobacco. 

4. The administration will consult with the county health department and other appropriate organizations to provide employees with information about support systems and programs to encourage employees to abstain from the use of tobacco products. The school may, from time to time, provide free non-smoking programs and services to employees of the school after the regular school day.

5. The principal and other school personnel responsible for school facilities shall post signs in school facilities in a manner and location that adequately notify staff, students, and visitors that the use of tobacco products by any person is prohibited at all times in or on school property.

6. The Dean and designees shall ensure that adequate notice of this policy is provided to students, parents, school personnel, and the public.

7. All school personnel are required to adhere to and enforce this policy and other policies, rules, or regulations addressing the use of tobacco products.

Issued: July 12, 2018