Smoking ban generates mixed reviews

On August 1, 2011 Texas State University implemented a ban against tobacco use on all university property. With 67 percent of students in agreeance with a smoke-free campus, President Denise Trauth confirmed the ban last april.

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

Some students support Trauth in her decision and see the new law as a positive change for the school.

"It's a step in the right direction," Social Work major Courtney Williams said. "I've already noticed less cigarette butts on the ground."

Even with the health benefits and decrease in litter, Geography major, Colin Sutton still sees flaws in the ban.

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

Sutton is not the only one who feels changes should be made to the no-tolerance rule.

“I think they should have made designated smoking area," English major Collin Couey said. "I don't think they should've gone straight to a ban."

Smoker Natalie Oliver believes each student should be able to make their own decision and does not mind the scrutiny of her peers.

"I understand not everyone wants to smell like smoke," Oliver said. "It's not going to stop the smokers."

Whether for, against, or indifferent to the ban, the most prominent problem seems to be the enforcement issue. The policy states that students or employees who see tobacco violations should inform the person smoking of the ban. If they refuse to comply, the observer should then report the violator to a management official. But students wonder how long smokers will follow the guidelines if no one is there to make sure they do.

"It would be more effective if the rule was enforced more strongly," Williams said. "There's really no one out there regulating it or offering consequences for not following the rule." 

 Despite the discrepancies, the university stands by the ban and continues to do more to help tobacco users within the university. The Health Center on campus is providing a free smoking cessation program for students for $10.