Almost 7 months after the implementation of Texas State University’s smoke-free campus policy, students remain divided over whether the policy is necessary, useful and effective.
After a 2010 sample survey of the student body, faculty and staff, an overwhelming majority – 67 percent of students and 75 percent of faculty – was in favor of a smoke-free campus.
According to university President Denise Trauth in a campus-wide email, the smoke-free ban was proposed in light of the health, safety, and welfare of the students, faculty and staff.
The policy states that “[t]he university expects all faculty, students, employees of contractors and subcontractors, and visitors to comply with this policy’s spirit and intent,” but some students do not feel that compliance with the ban is necessary.
“It is pointless because people don’t pay attention to [the ban],” said chemistry major Ashley Moran. “Not a bad idea though.”
Moran, who is an avid smoker, said that she believes the ban will have little impact on the campus and that it virtually cannot be enforced throughout the entire campus.
“It’s such a big campus that it would be hard to enforce,” said Moran. “It would be expensive to also.”
Others, like communication design major Seth Davis, are still firm believers in the smoking ban.
“It’s one of the best things to happen on campus in a long time,” said Davis. “It makes it more pleasant for everyone walking around on campus.’
Some students believe that if the ban was enforced correctly, the smoking ban could benefit the university more. Colin Sutton, a geography major and avid smoker, thinks the ban is a good idea.
“I agree that second-hand smoke is not healthy and the cigarette butts cause a littering problem on campus,” said Sutton. “Maybe a better solution would be designated smoking areas.”
When asked, the suggestion of designated smoking areas was recommended for different reasons by many students.
“[The ban] makes me feel ashamed,” said English major and smoker Tiffany Rainey. “I think they should alter it from a ban to designated areas.”
Nonsmokers also feel as if designated areas for smokers to go would suffice.
“I think rather than ban it they should just make special areas for smoking,” said literature major and nonsmoker Iza Martinez.
The university hosts numerous programs in addition to the smoking ban to help smokers off tobacco products. A free smoking cessation program is available at the Student Health Center for students and is $10 for faculty and staff. The Student Health Center also provides access to discounted smoking cessation medications.
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