02/11/2024
A volunteer group of high school students from Fordson, Dearborn, and Edsel Ford High schools, along with Henry Ford Early College, are working to secure state funding for the production of an anti-va**ng documentary.
The documentary will be titled “Clearing the Air, Together: The Battle Against Va**ng.”
It will delve into the dangers of va**ng, dispelling myths and offering solutions featuring interviews with medical professionals, educators, parents, students, and celebrity athletes, presenting a comprehensive view of the issue.
The students also plan to have the anti-va**ng documentary translated into multiple languages to reach a broader audience and to further raise awareness about the harmful effects of va**ng and to foster behavioral changes.
On Oct. 30, 2023 the Students Against Va**ng Committee visited the state Capitol where they participated in committee hearings, engaged with lawmakers, and delivered a letter outlining their legislative priorities to State Reps. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn).
The letter emphasized the need for educational initiatives, stricter regulations, and increased support services to combat teenage va**ng. Specifically, they outlined more stringent measures that need to be implemented including: 1. Harsher penalties on retailers who sell to minors and manufacturers who market to minors, 2. Increasing the taxation on the products, and 3. Educating/training parents/students on the harmful effects of va**ng.
Their visit to Lansing coincided with National Red Ribbon Week, which highlights the importance of living a drug-free life.
The Students Against Va**ng Committee is led by Violet Souweidane, the district’s student empowerment facilitator, and Nemer, who is president of the Fordson High School Parent/Teacher Student Association.
The Students Against Va**ng Committee includes students from all walks within the district, including those who have v**ed previously, currently v**e, or have never v**ed. Their unique experiences will inform the direction of the documentary and ensure it’s relatable to all students.
