Nevada State University to Become a Tobacco-Free Campus This Fall

Campuswide policy goes into effect August 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 21, 2025

LAS VEGAS—On Monday, August 25, the first day of the fall semester, Nevada State University will join more than 2,100 colleges and universities nationwide—including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno—that have adopted 100% tobacco-free campus policies.

The smoke-free and tobacco-free campus policy, approved by Nevada State University (NSU) leadership in spring 2025, will apply to all students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus property. This includes all indoor and outdoor campus spaces, sidewalks, parking lots and university-owned or leased vehicles.

This initiative is led by the Breathe with Ease team, part of the university’s Sustainability Council, in collaboration with the Southern Nevada Health District, Truth Initiative and a coalition of campus and community partners. These include Nevada State University’s Finance and Business office, Division of Culture, Planning & Policy, Student Association, Faculty Senate, Classified Employees and Grant Awards office as well as the Nevada Cancer Coalition, Nevada Tobacco Control & Smoke-Free Coalition, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Nevada Minority Health & Equity Coalition and the Nevada Public Health Association.

“The Southern Nevada Health District is proud to support Nevada State University in adopting a tobacco-free campus policy,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “This step promotes a healthier learning and working environment and helps build a culture of wellness across Southern Nevada. As more institutions and public spaces adopt tobacco-free policies, we move closer to a community with healthier air and reduced exposure to secondhand smoke.”

“I am proud of the impactful initiatives the Breathe with Ease team and stakeholders at Nevada State University have accomplished, especially in regard to implementing the no smoking on campus policy and infrastructural changes to support the policy. These improvements enhance our campus community and school mission,” said Dr. Seseer Mou-Danha, leader of the Breathe with Ease Team.

The policy prohibits all forms of smoking, tobacco use, marijuana use and nicotine products, including but not limited to:

Cigarettes and cigars (commercially or self-rolled)
Pipes, hookahs and water pipes
Electronic smoking devices, including electronic cigarettes and vape pens
Bidis (hand-rolled, flavored cigarettes) and kreteks (clove cigarettes)
Smokeless tobacco (such as snuff, snus and chew)
Cannabis/marijuana in all forms

While the policy does not require individuals to quit smoking or using tobacco products, NSU is committed to supporting those who wish to stop. Free cessation resources are available through the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or nevada.quitlogix.org. Visit the NSU website at www.nevadastate.edu/policy/current/tobacco-electronic-smoking-devices-on-university-premises/ to learn more about its policy and access resources on how to quit.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.