TYLER, Texas — Editorial note: During yesterday's press conference, the district said they were looking into 10 possible felony vaping violations that include testing for THC oils in the device. The district said there are now 11 felony cases. The vaping pen tested positive for THC on campus after the press conference.
Tyler ISD announced Monday an anti-vaping initiative to combat the issue on its campuses.
"It's not just a new thing," Dr. Marty Crawford, Tyler ISD's superintendent, said. "It's more of enhanced attention provided to our community in partnership with our media friends and along with the school system."
According to the district, the initiative, through PSAs with CBS19 and local media outlets, educates students, parents and the community on the legal ramifications of vaping, especially with THC.
"It really started seven months ago when our own police department brought this up to us, that we were awaiting lab results from a vape that we confiscated that had THC in it," Dr. Crawford said.
According to the district, students caught with vaping products on Tyler ISD grounds will receive a Class C Misdemeanor citation and a fine of up to $100.
If that vaping device has any other substance in it, such as THC oil, the student will be arrested with felony charges.
“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, getting scholarships, and can even affect them financially for years to come.”
The district is currently looking into 10 possible felony vaping violations that include testing for THC oils in the device.
According to the district, in addition to the PSAs, the initiative will also include campus posters outlining the legal implications of vaping, as well as a #TylerisdNoVaping social media campaign that will include the PSAs and additional information.