Key points:
Policy change: The Bryan Independent School District in Texas has implemented a new rule requiring students caught with e-cigarettes to be given a minimum of 10 days of in-school suspension or be transferred to an alternative education program.
Legal basis: This policy change is in accordance with the requirements of House Bill 6, which will be enforced starting in 2023.
Scope of enforcement: This rule applies to all e-cigarette devices containing nicotine and THC.
School district's stance: The district acknowledges the strict penalties but emphasizes that they are mandated by law.
According to a report by KBTX on August 7th, students in the Bryan Independent School District in Texas will now face the same strict penalties if caught with an e-cigarette, whether it contains nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol, due to a new policy in compliance with state law.
The student code of conduct for the 2025-2026 academic year was approved at a recent board meeting. One new rule eliminates the previous administrative discretion when handling e-cigarette cases and requires first-time offenders to receive a minimum of a 10-day suspension or be placed in an alternative education program.
In the past, school districts could decide for themselves how to handle students found to be in possession of these devices, but now, essentially, this freedom of discretion has been revoked," said Felicia Benford, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) in Texas. "We must adhere to these rules, guidelines, and laws that have been set forth, and do our best to enforce them.
Benford stated that this policy change is the result of the district's efforts to comply with state regulations, which were previously passed in 2023 through House Bill 6. The law mandates that the same disciplinary measures be taken for all infractions related to e-cigarettes.
We do encourage parents to discuss these devices with their children," Benford said. "Many times, parents feel that we are too harsh with students, but we are just following the law.
Leaders of the Bryan Independent School District acknowledge that the consequences are severe, but they believe it is necessary.
Vice Principal Brian Merrell reiterated this position at the board meeting, stating that the current responsibility of the principal is to ensure that students are informed about the updated policies.
The legislative body has taken a very strong stance on e-cigarettes, and we agree. We do not want e-cigarettes to be present on our campus, as they have no place here," said Merrell.
As students return to classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year, the new policy is now in effect.
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