Smoking Ban Continues to Leave Campus Divided-Kelsey Kotzur

Over half a year after Texas State University’s smoke-free campus policy was enacted, students are still divided about the controversial policy.  

The smoking ban took effect on August 1, 2011, banning the smoking of cigarettes on all parts of campus. The ban was a response to the growing evidence of harmful effects of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke.

Two surveys conducted in 2010 both showed overwhelming support for a smoke free campus. The surveys showed that 65% of students and 45% of faculty were in favor of a smoke-free campus.

“Our decision to become a tobacco-free university is based on the scientific evidence regarding the harmful effects and health risks of tobacco,” university president Denise Trauth said in a campus wide email.

The policy states, “The university prohibits smoking and the use of all tobacco products on all university property.” Some students are in full support of the ban. Geography major Colin Sutton thinks it’s a great idea.

Plenty others agree. “It’s one of the best things to happen on campus in a long time,” ex-smoker Seth Davis said.

However there are many students out there feel the ban made little or no difference. Ashley Winslow, studying elementary education, doesn’t think the ban has limited the number of smokers on campus. “It’s not going to stop the smokers,” Winslow said.

Ashley Moran also feels that the ban is not very effective.  “It is pointless because people don’t pay attention to it,” said Moran.

Although smokers and non-smokers feel differently about the ban, both sides don’t like all the trash the ban has caused.

Students argue that the ban has made the campus ground an ashtray. “Instead of less smokers there are more cigarette butts on the ground,” said non-smoker Ishmael Johnson.  

Tiffany Rainey, a regular smoker, misses the ashtrays on the trashcans. “I don’t like seeing all the buds on the ground,” said Rainey.

Some students proposed a compromise.  Rainey feels that the ban should be lifted and there should be designated smoking areas. Many others agree.

“I feel like the smoking ban really pushes smokers into corners,” said Sutton. “Maybe a better solution would be to have designated smoking areas.”

Although the ban is still highly debated, Texas State is standing by their decision and is continuing to encourage students who want to quite smoking. The Student Health Center provides a free smoking cessation program and discounted smoking cessation medications.