Policy 2640 – Student Use of Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs and Vapor Products
Smoking
The Board of Education believes that smoking; the use of any tobacco products; vapor
products and substances appearing to be tobacco products are detrimental to the health and
well-being of staff and students. This prohibition includes electronic cigarettes, vaping and
similar objects used in conjunction with vaping. Therefore, the Board prohibits the use,
sale, transfer and possession of tobacco products, vapor products, and substances appearing
to be tobacco products or vapor products, i.e. e-cigarettes, vaping paraphernalia, at school
and at school activities.
Alcohol and Drug Use
The improper use of controlled substances, alcohol and substances represented to be such
is detrimental to the health and welfare of students and is detrimental to discipline in school.
Such conduct, as well as the possession of drug paraphernalia, is prohibited and is subject
to disciplinary action as set forth in Regulation 2610.
Pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 705(20)(c)(iv), a student with a504/ADA disability who is currently
engaging in the illegal use of alcohol or drugs is not considered a st¥dent with a disability
under those laws and the District, may take disciplinary action – to the same extent that
disciplinary action is taken against nondisabled students – in relation to that use or
possession of alcohol or drugs. In such cases, the due process procedures contained in the
Section 504 regulations will not apply to protect those students. This provision does not
apply to students who are identified as disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act. However, school personnel may remove an IDEA disabled student to an
interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days without regard to
whether that student’s behavior is a manifestation of his/her disability where that student
knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled
substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the District’s
jurisdiction. “Illegal drug,” as it pertains to the discipline of IDEA students, means a
controlled substance but does not include a controlled substance that is legally possessed
or used under the supervision of a licensed health-care professional or under any other
authority.
The determination of whether or not a student is under the influence of alcohol or a
controlled substance is based upon a variety of information including but not limited to,
physical appearances, speech patterns, and witnesses’ statements. While not required,
District administrators may request a student suspected of alcohol use to submit to a
Breathalyzer. Conduct that includes possession of or use of alcohol or controlled
substances as well as the possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited and is subject to
disciplinary action as set forth in Regulation 2610.
CBD Products
Due to the lack of consistency in labeling related to the potency of many CBD and similar
products; due to the lack of research into the long-term effects of these products; and due to
the ove1riding concern for the health and safety of District students, CBD and similar products
are prohibited on school premises and at school related activities. Penalties for violations of
this policy will be consistent with the penalties for alcohol and drug possession.