[Hattiesburg, MS]– Hattiesburg Public Schools have accepted a $78,000 settlement following a class action lawsuit against Juul and Altria earlier this year. These companies were found to have targeted school-age children with their e-cigarette and vaping marketing strategies. Both companies have a long history of advertising to underage youth; an example includes placing ads on children's television networks, which contributed to the rise in underage vaping and nicotine addiction among minors

Michael Marks, Executive Director of Schools Against Vaping, alongside the Napoli Shkolnik PLLC Law Firm, recognized the urgent need to address the impact of e-cigarettes on the community’s children. Their advocacy and efforts have played a critical role in controlling the youth vaping epidemic, successfully assisting multiple counties across the state in fighting back against these harmful practices.

Hattiesburg Public Schools plans to use the settlement funds to support initiatives aimed at preventing nicotine use among students and raising awareness about the dangers of vaping. The district remains committed to its mission of educating all students to become productive citizens in a dynamic, global community. By investing in prevention programs and resources, Hattiesburg Public Schools seek to ensure a healthier future for their students, free from the influence of harmful substances like e-cigarettes.

The settlement marks a significant victory not only for Hattiesburg Public Schools but also for the broader community, as it highlights the district’s proactive stance in protecting the well-being of its students. Moving forward, the district plans to collaborate with local health organizations to create lasting solutions that combat youth nicotine and vaping addiction. This settlement serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard children from harmful corporate practices and promote environments where students can thrive, both academically and personally.