Story 2 Draft: Students Deem Smoking Ban Ineffective

Students Deem Smoking Ban Ineffective

Students at Texas State University have deemed the recently implemented smoking ban to be ineffective. The campus has been tobacco free since the ban took effect on August 1, 2011, and students have had six months to observe its effects, or, according to many, lack thereof.

The ban applies to all parts of campus and has been well received by some. Tiffany Rainey, an English major at Texas State, said that the ban has helped her to to cut down on cigarettes. Other students feel that the ban went too far. "I think rather than ban it, they should just make special areas for smoking," said literature masters student Iza Martinez.

Many students feel that the main problem, however, is lack of enforcement. Because of this, some say, the ban will not affect campus in any significant manner. "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."

According to university policy, 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.

"If the ban is enforced, I'll quit," said Rainey. 

The ban was implemented after Dr. Emilio Carranco, Director of the Student Health Center, presented the findings of a study which indicated that students attending smoke free campuses were 23 percent less likely to start smoking. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate in the smoking cessation program offered at the Student Health Center.