Tyler ISD is renewing its initiative to educate parents, students, and the community on vaping’s legal ramifications, especially when THC is involved, that could affect students long after graduation.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess tobacco products, electronic cigarette devices, or vaping products. Students caught with vaping products on Tyler ISD grounds will receive a Class C Misdemeanor citation and a fine of up to $100. Furthermore, if that vaping device has any other substance in it, such as THC oil, the student will be arrested with felony charges.
The idea that a student could leave high school with a felony on their record concerns Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford.
“We care deeply about the success of our students,” Crawford said. “Our anti-vaping initiative aims to educate students not only on the health risks but also that vaping could lead to a felony on their record. Felonies will affect the rest of their life, like getting accepted into college or earning scholarships. It can even affect them financially for years to come.”
Currently, Tyler ISD has 12 possible felony violations that include THC testing in vaping devices. This means that depending on test results, 12 students’ lives could be impacted long after graduation.
The Tyler ISD anti-vaping initiative is a multi-faceted approach that includes partnerships with local media outlets to air public service announcements created by the District. The PSAs outline the legal charges for students caught vaping with THC oil on campus. The initiative also includes campus posters as well as a #TylerISDNoVaping social media campaign.
Full Version PSA: