The National School Boards Association cut their ties with Reynolds Tobacco. The education group partnered with the nation's second largest cigarette maker on a youth tobacco prevention program.
The organization said Tuesday that it is severing a partnership with the Camel and Pall Mall cigarette maker's youth tobacco prevention program called "Right Decisions, Right Now."
This tie was only announced last week and was met with quick criticism from Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who called the program ineffective and urged the association to end its partnership.
Executive Director Tom Gentzel says the association ended the partnership because the debate over its involvement with Reynolds distracted from larger efforts to promote student health and well-being.
A spokesman for parent company Reynolds American Inc. said the company is disappointed but remains committed to reducing youth tobacco use.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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