GODDARD, Kan. — A resolution was approved by the Goddard Board of Education Monday night authorizing filing a lawsuit against manufacturers, distributors and sellers of electronic cigarettes and vaping products.

The board says it’s important to note that this does not require the district to allocate resources to fund the process. That is the responsibility of the law firm.

Officials strongly believe electronic cigarettes and vaping products are extremely harmful to their current and future students.

They believe it’s their responsibility to support and protect the physical, social and emotional well-being of their students.

Tuesday morning, Kansas health officials confirmed the first death in the state associated with an outbreak of serious lung disease related to vaping or using e-cigarettes. A 50-year-old man died from what officials say was because of vaping. Officials also acknowledged he suffered other underlying health issues.