Story 2 Final Draft- Megan Parrish

Tobacco Free Policy Leaves Campus Divided          

Texas State University passed a new policy on campus. As of August 1, 2011, both the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses are smoke and tobacco free. While the university had hoped the students would support the ban, some are not in favor.

            The policy prohibits all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco and all other tobacco products from being used anywhere on campus. This includes in any buildings or vehicles owned, leased, or under the supervision of Texas State, all outdoor fields, golf course, parking garages and lots, Sewell Park, University Camp, Freeman Ranch, and all outdoor stadia and grandstands for athletic and recreational fields. The policy can be found on Texas State University’s website.

In a press release, University President Denise Trauth said the policy was put in place based on the campus community’s wishes and health concerns. The Mayo Health Clinic states that secondhand smoke can cause a greater risk for lung disease, heart disease, and cancer.

The university expects all faculty members, students, and other employees to not only comply with the policy, but hopes they support it as well. Some students are in favor of the policy.

 “It’s a good idea,” said Colin Sutton, geography major at Texas State. “I wish I didn’t smoke but I do. I agree that second hand smoke isn’t healthy and cigarette butts also cause a littering problem on campus.”

Other students, however, did not agree with the policy.  “I think rather than ban it, they should just make special areas for smoking,” said Iza Martinez, another student at Texas State. “I don’t think it will really change anything that much, I just think people will hide it better.”

Some students believe that the ban won’t change anything. Natalie Oliver believes the ban won’t stop smokers. Ashley Moran and Jamie Peterson both agree that the ban has not made a difference. Ashley Winslow said that no one is enforcing the ban.

Other students have not only witnessed other smokers being asked to put it out, but have been asked themselves to put their cigarettes out. “At tailgate, cops asked my fraternity brother to put out a cigarette,” said Alex Labutis, a Texas State student. “Technically we were still on campus.” “I have been approached by campus authority,” Sutton said. “He let me know if I didn’t put [my cigarette] out, I would get a ticket.”