From the SmokeFree Times newsletter, American Lung Association of Rhode Island, Fall, 1996, p.2
The MOB Rules At Chariho High School
Submitted by Cathy Downey, Chariho Regional High School and Sharon Hoffman, Tri-Town Task Force for Substance Abuse Prevention
On May 15, 1996, students of Chariho Regional High School, along with the local Tri-Town Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, sponsored a "M.O.B." rally. That stands for "Majority Over Butts".
It was a peaceful, positive demonstration. It started because a few students circulated a statement of concern regarding secondhand smoke, along with a show of support for the state's Smokefree School Act. There are approximately 1,000 students at the high school, and more than 700 signed the statement, within a three day period. As time passed, money was donated, T-shirts were designed by the youth, and the rally was organized, with faculty and staff and administrative support. It was a great event for the students.
The students challenged other high schools to adopt the MOB slogan and to help create strong policies and enforcement procedures to make the school environment 100% smokefree. The students have met with School Superintendent John L. Pini to discuss their ideas and agree to appropriate policies that will enforce the Smokefree Schools law which went into effect September 1, 1994.
Secondhand smoke is in the same classification as asbestos which is a Class A carcinogen which causes cancer in humans. That is why the state legislature passed the Smokefree Schools Act and that is why we must all play our part in making all schools smokefree as the law requires.
To learn more about MOB call Cathy Downey, Chairwoman, Health and Physical Education Department, Chariho Regional High School at 401-364-7778 or Sharon Hoffman, Tri-Town Task Force for Substance Abuse Prevention at 401-364-6061. T-shirts are available with the MOB logo at a nominal cost. Good job, Chariho!
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Read other Fall 1996 issue articles:
"Lung Association Receives ASSIST Contract for Tobacco Control Network"
"Reducing Youth Access to Tobacco Makes Headlines in 1996"
"Rhode Island Well-Represented at National Tobacco Control Conference"
"Smoking and Kids Don't Mix in North Kingstown"
"Speaking Out, Not Lighting Up" at LaSalle Academy
"Tobacco Control Network Needs You!"
"Tobacco Free Pharmacy Campaign Grows"
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