Students' Opinions on Tobacco Ban Differ

Students' Opinions on Tobacco Ban Differ

      Students at Texas State University have different opinions on its tobacco-free policy. In the six months since the ban took effect, students have observed its effects, or, according to some, lack thereof.
      The ban applies to all parts of the campus and some students have received it well. Tiffany Rainey, an English major at Texas State, said that the ban has helped her to decrease her cigarette intake. Other students, however, feel that the ban went too far.
      “I think rather than ban it, they should just make special areas for smoking,” said Iza Martinez, a graduate student getting her Master’s in literature. Many students feel that the main problem, however, is lack of enforcement.
      “I think it’s more of an appearance thing for Texas State to be able to say we’re a smoke-free campus. They don’t enforce it very well,” said Collin Couey, an English major. According to university President Denise Trauth’s tobacco-free policy announcement, the decision to ban tobacco came based on scientific evidence about its harmful effects on health.
      In addition, her announcement revealed that in a survey conducted by the National College Health Assessment in 2010, 67 percent of Texas State students supported a smoke-free campus. Another survey from the same year conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 19.3 percent of adults in the U.S. are current smokers, with a higher prevalence in the Midwest and South.
      The official university tobacco policy states that students or employees who witness tobacco violations should inform those smoking of the ban. If they refuse to comply, observers should report violators to a management official.
      Students who would like assistance to quit smoking are welcome to participate in the free smoking cessation program at the Student Health Center. Discounted smoking cessation medications are also available.