Recently, the Texas legislature passed House Bill 114, that will impact student discipline practices beginning at the start of the 2023-24 school year. The law requires that any student who possesses, uses, sells, gives, or delivers an e-cigarette to another person be removed from class and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP). Additional consequences, including citations from Harlingen P.D. or area law enforcement agencies, may be administered to students possessing or using vaping devices. The law aims to address the growing concern of e-cigarette usage among students and promote a healthier, safer environment for all members of the school community.
New Law Impacting E-cigarette Usage on Campuses
Earlier this year, the Texas legislature passed a new law to curb what the U.S. Surgeon General declared in 2018 to be an epidemic in the use of e-cigarettes by young people. Since their invention in 2003, e-cigarettes – also called ‘vapes’ – have been determined to be particularly harmful to youth’s health. Almost all vape liquid contains nicotine, which has been determined to have a negative effect on adolescent brain development. Vaping aerosols also contain chemicals linked to serious lung disease.
Harlingen CISD cares about the safety and health of our students and are concerned about the potential long-term health risks associated with vaping. Parents can help our district and community address this important safety and health issue. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of vaping with their students and review the new district guidelines. Please take the time to educate yourself on e-cigarettes and vaping devices and spend time talking to your child about vaping and the use of tobacco products. Not sure how to start the conversation? Visit Talk About Vaping for more resources.
The health and wellness of our students has been, and will continue to be, our top priority at Harlingen CISD. We value the trust you place in us as we work to educate your child.
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