The White House’s decision this month to delay the Food and Drug Administration’s rule banning menthol cigarettes puts politics and profit over the health of Black Americans. Make no mistake: By heeding the cynical arguments of the tobacco industry and its well-organized lobbying effort, President Joe Biden’s administration is sending an unacceptable message that Black lives do not matter when it comes to fighting tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death in our country. The administration must keep its promise to protect the health of Black Americans and issue a final rule this year.
By heeding the cynical arguments of the tobacco industry and its well-organized lobbying effort, President Joe Biden’s administration is sending an unacceptable message that Black lives do not matter.
Menthol cigarettes were supposed to be off the shelves by year’s end. But on Dec. 6, information on the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website was updated to reflect that there’ll be no ban before March.
There’s absolutely no reason why this ban, already long overdue, should be delayed even a moment longer, especially when it’s supported by overwhelming scientific evidence and when Black communities are so disproportionately targeted and harmed. Research shows that menthol makes cigarettes more addictive and, thus, makes it harder for smokers who smoke them to quit. Also, because menthol masks the harsh effects of tobacco smoke, it makes it easier for kids to experiment with cigarettes and become addicted.
Given this evidence, it’s profoundly disturbing that the tobacco industry has deliberately targeted Black communities with marketing for menthol cigarettes for more than 60 years. They’ve done it through magazine and store ads, sponsorship of our cultural events, free giveaways and discounts, and other tactics. This predatory targeting continues today. Black neighborhoods have more tobacco retailers, more ads for menthol cigarettes…
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