New tobacco-free policy fails to snuff out campus smokers

Texas State University established itself as a tobacco-free campus as of August 1, 2011, in an effort to counter against health risks and harmful effects attributed to public smoking, according to an announcement made by Texas State President Denise Trauth.

Maroon “Tobacco-Free Campus” signs dot along high-traffic walkways, but some students say physical enforcement of the smoking ban is scarce.

"I think it's more of an appearance thing for Texas State to be able to say we're a smoke-free campus. They don't enforce it very well,” said English major Collin Couey, 22.

According to the Texas State Student Healthcare website, first-time offenders are informed that tobacco use is not permitted on university property. Two or more violations are reported to the appropriate university management official who will conduct appropriate disciplinary actions on a case by base.

Technical Communications graduate student Judy Lynn Drazan says she likes the tobacco-free policy but doesn’t believe it’s working. “I see people smoking all the time,” she said.

Texas State conducted two surveys in 2010 reported that 65 percent of students favored a smoke-free institution with 75 of university faculty and staff supporting the same.