TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY CENTER AT MEMPHIS
TOBACCO USE POLICY
Effective 7-1-08
The Tennessee Technology Center is committed to promoting and maintaining a healthy work and educational environment. In addition, the institution is committed to promoting good health and well-being of all students as they prepare for a successful career. In consideration of state and federal laws and institutional goals, students, employees and visitors are prohibited from using tobacco throughout all campus buildings and institutionally-owned vehicles.
- The use of tobacco products (smoke and smokeless) is prohibited in all buildings. This policy also extends to any space leased by the institution. However, the use of tobacco products will be permitted outdoors as indicated by signage, in 3 designated areas only:
Main Campus
- Rear Sidewalk area (near Automotive Program)
- Sidewalk area between Administration and Classroom Buildings
Extension Campus
- Designated break area on the North side of complex
- The use of tobacco products is prohibited in state-owned vehicles.
- The institution will provide educational information on tobacco use cessation programs.
- School administration and instructional staff are responsible for informing the school community of the tobacco use policy and overseeing day-to-day compliance. The director or his/her designee will address violations and habitual offenders of this policy.
SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF LAWS & POLICIES
In accordance with Tennessee Public Chapter 410, known as the “Non-Smoker Protection Act”, smoking is prohibited in all public places and places of employment. Smoking is defined as “inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying or possessing any lighted tobacco product, including cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco and any other lighted tobacco product.” Smoking is only permitted outside in designated areas as prescribed by the Act. The law also requires that “smoke from these areas must not infiltrate into areas where smoking is prohibited.”
This state law specifies that a person who knowingly smokes where smoking is prohibited shall be subject to a civil fine of up to fifty dollars ($50) and “each day on which a knowing violation occurs shall be considered a separate and distinct violation.”
Violators of this policy should be reported to the appropriate school administration. Violation of institutional policies and rules will be subject to administrative review and sanctions as outlined below:
Faculty and Staff:
Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with institutional policy up to and including termination of employment for habitual repeat offenders.
Students:
Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the provisions of the Students Conduct Policy. Sanctions for violations may include verbal warning, formal reprimand, probation, suspension or dismissal.
Visitors:
Visitors to the campus whose actions are in violation of this policy may be asked to leave the campus grounds.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF TABACCO USE
Smoking
- Cigarette smoking increases the risk for many types of cancer, including cancers of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx; esophagus; pancreas; larynx; lung; uterine cervix; urinary bladder; and kidney.
- Cigarette smokers are 2 – 4 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than nonsmokers.
- Cigarette smoking approximately doubles a person’s risk for smoke.
- Cigarette smoking has many adverse reproductive and early childhood effects, including an increased risk for infertility, preterm delivery, stillbirth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome.
Second Hand Smoke
- Secondhand smoke is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer and coronary heart disease in nonsmoking adults. Secondhand smoke is a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent).
- Because their lungs are not fully developed, young children are particularly susceptible to secondhand smoke. Exposure is associated with an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia in young children.
Smokeless Tobacco
- Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents (carcinogens). It increases the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity.
- Smokeless tobacco use can lead to nicotine addiction and dependence.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Current State laws regarding smoking do not include smokeless tobacco. The prohibition of smokeless tobacco products on campus support the institution’s housekeeping and maintenance policies to maintain a clean and sanitary learning environment.