Students
evaluate tobacco ban
The tobacco ban that Texas State
University implemented in August 2011 has left some students wondering if it
has accomplished anything.
Certain areas on campus such as the
Quad were designated smoke-free in 2005. Now, Texas State is the first
university within the Texas State University System to prohibit the use of tobacco
products anywhere on its campus.
The university website said that 67
percent of students surveyed and 75 percent of faculty and staff members surveyed
were in favor of a smoke-free campus.
In an announcement to the university, Texas State University President Denise Trauth said that the reasoning behind the ban was scientific evidence of the health risks associated with smoking.
In an announcement to the university, Texas State University President Denise Trauth said that the reasoning behind the ban was scientific evidence of the health risks associated with smoking.
Students and others on campus are
expected to comply with the ban, according to the policy on the Texas State
website. However, some students said the ban is ineffective because they had
not seen anyone enforcing the ban.
Jamie Peterson, a graduate student
studying technical communication, is in favor of the ban, but does not think
it’s working. “…I see people smoking all the time," said Peterson.
Indeed, there are students who admitted they still smoke on campus. Natalie Oliver and Ashley Winslow, both sophomore interdisciplinary studies majors, said they usually just hide when they smoke.
Indeed, there are students who admitted they still smoke on campus. Natalie Oliver and Ashley Winslow, both sophomore interdisciplinary studies majors, said they usually just hide when they smoke.
It seems that many students who
still smoke on campus hide behind buildings because they believe the Texas
State University Police Department will not do anything to stop them.
Violators of the policy can be
reported to the Dean of Students or to their respective supervisors, but the
policy does not say that tickets may be issued by the police department.
Students like senior English major Collin Couey suggested an alternative to the ban on smoking. “I think they should have made designated smoking areas…I don't think they should've gone straight to a ban," said Couey.
Students like senior English major Collin Couey suggested an alternative to the ban on smoking. “I think they should have made designated smoking areas…I don't think they should've gone straight to a ban," said Couey.
But, according to the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, simply separating smokers and
non-smokers does not eliminate all of the risks associated with secondhand
smoke. Any exposure is potentially dangerous.
Despite some pessimism, there are students who are optimistic about the ban. "It's one of the best things to happen on campus in a long time," said Seth Davis, senior communication design student.
“I think people will get used to it
over time,” said Danielle Blackburn, freshman political science major.
Junior English
major Tiffany Rainey said that she has cut back on smoking since there are no
ashtrays on campus, and if the ban was enforced better she would quit.
A smoking cessation program is offered for free, and medications designed to help students quit are available at discounted prices at the Student Health Center, according to the university website. The hope is that the ban will provide motivation for students to use the available resources to quit.
Sources: Collin Couey, Ashley Winslow, Natalie
Oliver, Jamie Peterson, Danielle Blackburn, Tiffany Rainey, Seth Davis
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services news
release:
Texas State University tobacco-free policy/Dr.
Trauth’s announcement:
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