Smoking and Free Speech
The new anti-smoking law regarding schools goes into effect today. It eliminates smoking areas on campus for students.
The new law, however, still allows staff and teachers to smoke, albeit in offices and staff work rooms, not classrooms or libraries. As a former school principal, I feel “no smoking” on campus means just that--and for all. That includes teachers, staff and visitors.
The examples set by teachers and staff are very important to their students. Studies will show that teachers who smoke also tend to have more work-related problems than those who do not--such as absenteeism, tardiness, accidents, and work effectiveness.
At my last school, the office smelled so badly from smoke that many parents complained. It set a very poor example indeed.
SOL TAYLOR
Orange
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