National School Boards Association severs partnership with R.J. Reynolds' anti-tobacco program

In a quick about-face, the National School Boards Association is cutting ties with the nation's second-biggest cigarette maker, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

The organization announced late Tuesday that it is severing a recently announced partnership with the Camel and Pall Mall cigarette maker's youth tobacco prevention program called "Right Decisions, Right Now."

The partnership first announced last Thursday was questioned by Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The Connecticut Democrat called the program ineffective and urged the association to end its partnership

Executive Director Tom Gentzel told The Associated Press that the association ended the partnership because the debate over its involvement with Reynolds was a distraction from its larger efforts to promote student health and well-being.

A spokesman for parent company Reynolds American Inc. did not immediately provide comment.