The superintendents of the Alpena Alcona Montmorency Educational Service District (AMA ESD) are asking politicians to support legislation that would ban vaping products that look like everyday school supplies and are cropping up across the country.
Manufacturers are making vaping devices that look like and are virtually indistinguishable from highlighters, USB drives, pens, and even cellphone cases.
AMA ESD Superintendent Justin Gluesing, along with superintendents of Alcona, Alpena, Atlanta and Hillman have sent a letter to State Representative Cam Cavitt and State Senator Michele Hoitenga, asking the lawmakers to take the lead in introducing or signing onto legislation that would ban the deceptive vaping devices “to safeguard the well-being of our youth and maintain a conducive learning environment.”
The letter goes on to say the vaping devices “not only undermine the efforts of schools and parents to curb youth vaping, but also create an environment where the risks associated with vaping are intensified.”
The superintendents ended their letter by asking Cavitt and Hoitenga to take their request “seriously.” The full letter can be viewed below.
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE AMA ESD, ALCONA, ALPENA, ATLANTA AND HILLMAN:
Urgent Request to Ban Discreet Vaping Products
Representative Cavitt and Senator Hoitenga:
We are writing to express our deep concern regarding a growing threat to the health and safety of our youth: discreet vaping products designed to resemble everyday school objects.
Vaping has become an alarming epidemic among our youth, with a sharp rise in the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Manufacturers have maliciously designed these products to blend seamlessly into the school environment, making them virtually indistinguishable from common items like USB drives, pens, or even smartphone cases.
These products not only undermine the efforts of schools and parents to curb youth vaping, but also create an environment where the risks associated with vaping are intensified.
As you are no doubt aware, vaping is associated with numerous health risks, including lung damage, addiction to nicotine, and an increased likelihood of transitioning to traditional tobacco products.
By allowing these discreet vaping devices in our schools, we are putting our children’s health at risk. In addition, the presence of these products in schools amplifies peer pressure to try vaping, as students may perceive it as a low-risk, socially acceptable behavior. This can lead to a domino effect, endangering even more of our youth.
We believe that a comprehensive legislative ban on these deceptive vaping products is necessary to safeguard the well-being of our youth and maintain a conducive learning environment. By prohibiting the sale, possession, and use of such items within school premises and in proximity to school property, we can send a clear message that we prioritize the health and future of our children over the profits of unscrupulous manufacturers.
We urge you to consider this request seriously and take the lead in introducing or signing on to legislation to address this critical issue. We look forward to hearing about your efforts.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require further information or assistance in addressing this concern.
Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing – Superintendent AMA ESD, Dan O’Connor –
Superintendent Alcona Community Schools, David Rabbideau – Superintendent Alpena Public Schools, Tony Suszek – Superintendent Atlanta Community Schools, Pamela Rader -Superintendent Hillman Community Schools
