As part of a campaign to promote smoke-free campuses, the American Lung Association has called upon Virginia Commonwealth University to break its ties with Philip Morris USA, according to Style Weekly. 

“We are strongly opposed to the financial relationship between Virginia Commonwealth University and Philip Morris USA,” said David M. DeBiasi, director of advocacy and public education for the Virginia Lung Association. “No. 1, VCU is a public institution to serve the public good; tobacco has harmed public health more than any other product in history.”

Moreover, DeBiasi said Philip Morris has a history of tainting its research. “They didn’t admit until 1988 that their product was lethal,” he told Style. “They’re not good scientific partners. They’ve proven that.”

VCU has been criticized for research-for-hire contracts with Philip Morris, and a task force established by VCU President Eugene Trani is investigating the university’s research contract guidelines. A second public hearing on the subject is scheduled for this evening.