Duke to become smoke-free campus starting in 2020

Duke will officially become a smoke-free campus starting July 1, 2020, according to an email sent by President Vincent Price to the Duke community.

Price wrote that the new regulations will apply to combustible forms of tobacco—such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and hookahs—but will not apply to e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco or therapeutic products containing nicotine. 

"This decision was made after considerable study and engagement with student groups, faculty and staff," he wrote.

Duke University Stores will stop selling tobacco on July 1 as the first step in the effort to make the University a smoke-free campus.

The announcement comes in the wake of student efforts to ban all forms of combustible tobacco from campus. 

Price cited the dangers of smoking as the primary reason behind his decision.

"In taking this important step, Duke will be joining many other colleges and universities across the country that have adopted smoke-free policies," he wrote. "Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in North Carolina and the United States. Research reveals that two thirds of smokers will die from an illness caused by smoking. This new policy reflects our commitment to the health of every person who studies or works in our community."

Check back here for updates to this developing story.