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E-Cigarettes Outlawed In School

Electronic cigarettes, also known as “e-cigarettes”, are a craze among today’s teenagers. This device is a substitute for an actual cigarettes. E-cigarettes are not allowed in school because they are grouped among tobacco products. Although these devices may not be as harmful as traditional cigarettes, they still release nicotine. Woodland has a zero tolerance policy for tobacco products, but this policy is now being challenged.

These devices emit doses of vaporized nicotine that get inhaled. They are battery-operated and can also emit non-nicotine vaporized solutions. But with or without nicotine, they are not allowed.

“It’s board policy that no cigarettes or facsimile of cigarettes are allowed inside schools, along with any tobacco products,” said Assistant Principal, Dr. Dana Mulligan.

It is difficult to say that a non-nicotine product would be allowed in school.

“There is no way to sanction these devices because we don’t know which ones have nicotine in them and which ones don’t. There is no way to regulate the use of these device,” said Mulligan. “It’s just easier to say that they’re not allowed.”

These devices are can also be a disturbance. When used in the classroom they provide another stimuli that causes surrounding students to become off task.

“They shouldn’t be allowed because people can do smoke tricks and it’s just a giant distraction to everyone around,” said Senior, Will Crossley.

Not only do other students think they are distracting, but the general consensus among teachers is that these e-cigarettes are disruptive as well.

Sophomore, Jake Slavin disagrees with the policy. Slavin tried to take on the administration in order to pass a petition to allow the use of e-cigarettes in school.

“It is a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. There are no harmful chemicals or tars,” said Slavin.

Slavin believes that making the switch to e-cigarettes will avoid unwanted problems in the future.

“These problems include lung cancer, emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis, along with throat and mouth cancer,” according to Slavin.

The student handbooks states “students shall not carry, smoke or use tobacco products in any school building, or school vehicle at any time or on school property by law”. Therefore, the sanctioned use of electronic cigarettes will never be a part of Woodland history. They are a tobacco product and the policy will stand that they are not allowed in schools.