•  Detroit School of Arts (DSA) Smoking and Vaping Policy

    This policy establishes Detroit School of Arts (DSA)'s commitment to maintaining a healthy, safe, and clean environment free from tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosol for all students, staff, and visitors. This policy aligns with DPSCD guidelines, state law, and the DPSCD Student Code of Conduct.

    The use and possession of all commercial tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, etc.) and all electronic smoking/vaping devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, pods, mods, liquid nicotine, etc.) are strictly prohibited, regardless of nicotine or THC/marijuana content.

     

    1) Scope of Prohibited Use and Possession

    The prohibition applies to all students, staff, and visitors at all times while on school property or at school-sponsored events.

    • Prohibited Use:

      • Using any tobacco product, electronic smoking device, or imitation product at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) on school property or at school activities.

    • Prohibited Locations: The ban applies to:

      • All DSA and DPSCD-owned or leased buildings, facilities, and grounds, including classrooms, restrooms, studios, theaters, gymnasiums, and hallways.

      • All outdoor areas, including sports fields, parking lots, and adjacent sidewalks.

      • All school-owned, leased, or contracted vehicles (e.g., school buses).

      • All school-sponsored or school-related events, trips, or activities, both on and off campus.

    • Student Possession:

      • Students are prohibited from possessing any tobacco product, electronic smoking device, or related paraphernalia (e.g., lighters, cartridges, pods) on school property or at any school-sponsored event.

      • Exception: An FDA-approved tobacco cessation product may be used only with prior medical authorization and adherence to the school’s medication administration protocol.

     

    2) Enforcement and Consequences

    Consequences for students are progressive, following the DPSCD Student Code of Conduct (Level 2/3 infractions), emphasizing intervention and cessation support over punitive exclusion.

    Students

    • First Offense (Use or Possession):

      • Confiscation of the prohibited item.

      • Notification of parents/guardians and sharing of cessation resources.

      • Mandatory completion of a school-approved Tobacco/Vaping Education and Intervention Program (often used as an alternative to suspension).

      • Referral to the School Social Worker, Counselor, or appropriate DPSCD student support service.

    • Subsequent Offenses:

      • Progressive discipline per the DPSCD Student Code of Conduct (increased severity of consequences).

      • Potential for in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension, depending on the number and nature of prior offenses.

      • Mandatory referral to and completion of a District-approved external cessation program or counseling (e.g., My Life, My Quit™).

      • Potential loss of privileges (e.g., participation in non-required activities, specific school events).

    Staff and Visitors

    • Staff: Violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination, in accordance with DPSCD employee policies and collective bargaining agreements.

    • Visitors: Individuals found in violation will be:

      • Given a verbal warning and immediately required to extinguish the product or leave the school grounds.

      • Subject to being cited for trespassing by school police or local law enforcement for refusing to comply.

     

    3) Education and Cessation Support

    Detroit School of Arts and DPSCD are committed to connecting students and staff with resources to quit using tobacco and vaping products.

    • Prevention Education: Evidence-based, age-appropriate instruction on the dangers of commercial tobacco and e-cigarette use, nicotine addiction, and refusal skills will be provided as part of the health curriculum.

    • Cessation Resources for Youth (Students):

      • My Life, My Quit™: Free and confidential help for Michigan teens who want to quit vaping and tobacco. Text Start My Quit to 855-891-9989 or visit the website.

    • Cessation Resources for Adults (Staff):

      • Michigan Tobacco Quitlink: Free, confidential phone, online, and text support. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

     

    4) CDC Vaping Prevention Resources

    The following link from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources for youth, parents, and educators on the risks of e-cigarettes and quitting:

    CDC Youth Vaping Prevention and Cessation Resources