California Community Colleges Smoke-Free Initiative

Whereas, The State of California recognizes environmental tobacco smoke as a chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm as stated in proposition 65, and according to the American Lung Association causes 50,000 deaths in adult non-smokers in the U.S. each year, including approximately 3,400 from lung cancer and 22,700 – 69,600 from heart disease;

Whereas, It is the responsibility of each California community college to provide a safe and healthy environment for their students, staff and faculty as stated in California Education Code §33319; and

Whereas, Education Code §76031, 76033e and Government Code §7597 deem that California community colleges can enforce policies designed to provide a safe and healthy environment;

Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with Regional Senators to communicate the dangers of tobacco smoke to local student governments;

Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage to local California Community Colleges Board of Trustees to consider adoption of enforceable smoke-free campus policies;

Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges communicate to local California community colleges administrators the need to have a “safe and healthy environment” component in their institutional learning outcomes; and

Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges communicate the need to create statewide smoke-free learning environments to state legislators.