Thursday, February 16, 2012

Smoking Ban questionable without enforcement


It has been over half a year since Texas State University’s smoking ban has took effect on August 1, 2011 the San Marcos campus as well as the Round Rock campus. But many students feel the enforcement isn’t being forced properly.

"Our decision to become a tobacco-free university is based on the scientific evidence regarding the harmful effects and health risks of tobacco," Texas State University President Denise M. Trauth said.

The smoking ban is enforced on all university property including buildings, athletic recreational fields, the golf course, parking garages and lots, Sewell Park, Freeman Ranch and even in your own vehicles.

When asked about the impact on the smoking ban on campus, elementary education major and 2 year smoker Ashley Winslow said, “I don’t think it has made an impact it’s not going to stop smokers. "I think it's more of an appearance thing for Texas State to be able to say we're a smoke free campus," said English major Collin Couey. "They don't enforce it very well."

University Police does not regularly look for smokers on campus and they don
t have the resources to do it. The universitys attempt for the ban doesnt seem sincere but only something to be gained, a good reputation.

University policy also states for students or employees who see tobacco violations to speak to a management official if the violator refuses to follow the ban but students seem confused on how to enforce without the police’s help.

Colin Sutton, a geography major states, “Some people choose not to hide it, but only because they haven't been approached by authority yet.” Sutton and other students seem to bring up the biggest issue of no real enforcement on campus.
The ban took place after Dr. Emilio Carranco, Director of the Student Health Center, showed a study that students attending smoke free campuses were 23 percent less likely to start smoking. The university is hoping to increase health awareness and get students to quit smoking.

A common resolution said among the students is to have a specific location dedicated to smokers decreasing and helping the students allergic to tobacco or with health problems. President Trauth faces many other issues for example campus construction, constant increasing enrollment and budget cuts but the smoking ban seems to fall short leaving no concrete manpower or impact for students.

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