Welcome to our choice-free campus
Sarah Townsend
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Opinion
There have been many unanswered questions about the new tobacco-free policy that came into effect here at Tech on Jan. 1 of the New Year. A number of students I know smoke, therefore I have heard a lot of complaints first hand. No tobacco use is allowed on campus, except in a personal vehicle.
Tech isn't the only school prohibiting tobacco, according to the tobacco information page on the university website. Tech is simply following other Board of Regents universities, as well many private and public universities across the nation.
Most of which do not provide students with a designated smoking area.
Firstly, how can this rule really be enforced campus wide? Tech police can't be everywhere at once, and I'd hope they'd be more concerned about the safety of the students and staff than catching people with cigarettes.
Secondly, many students do not own a personal vehicle, which means they need to walk to a public place to smoke. It is fair to move away from doors to prevent second-hand smoke exposure to non-smokers, asthmatic people, and pregnant women.
However, smoking outside in the open air away from passerby on campus should not be a privilege. It's a social liberty says Alyssa Stanford, a freshman who states, "I completely understand the health hazards that correlate with it [tobacco use] however Tech didn't provide me or other smokers with a shelter or designated area."
This policy is prohibiting students from making their own personal choices. It is widely believed that this rule is to make students quit smoking. In fact, the web site provides an 800 number for people having trouble quitting.
Yes, people should be outside, and of course no one should be subjected to second-hand smoke. I understand that smoking is a dangerous habit and causes serious health problems. Personally, I am not condoning tobacco use. However, a designated smoking area on campus where students can smoke outside is a very reasonable suggestion.
Tech isn't the only school prohibiting tobacco, according to the tobacco information page on the university website. Tech is simply following other Board of Regents universities, as well many private and public universities across the nation.
Most of which do not provide students with a designated smoking area.
Firstly, how can this rule really be enforced campus wide? Tech police can't be everywhere at once, and I'd hope they'd be more concerned about the safety of the students and staff than catching people with cigarettes.
Secondly, many students do not own a personal vehicle, which means they need to walk to a public place to smoke. It is fair to move away from doors to prevent second-hand smoke exposure to non-smokers, asthmatic people, and pregnant women.
However, smoking outside in the open air away from passerby on campus should not be a privilege. It's a social liberty says Alyssa Stanford, a freshman who states, "I completely understand the health hazards that correlate with it [tobacco use] however Tech didn't provide me or other smokers with a shelter or designated area."
This policy is prohibiting students from making their own personal choices. It is widely believed that this rule is to make students quit smoking. In fact, the web site provides an 800 number for people having trouble quitting.
Yes, people should be outside, and of course no one should be subjected to second-hand smoke. I understand that smoking is a dangerous habit and causes serious health problems. Personally, I am not condoning tobacco use. However, a designated smoking area on campus where students can smoke outside is a very reasonable suggestion.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 9
Jeannie
posted 2/05/10 @ 10:26 AM CST
While you may have the right to choose whether to smoke, it does infringe on my health when you choose to smoke at the building door and the smoke billows into the building. (Continued…)
John
posted 2/05/10 @ 6:37 PM CST
However, smoking outside in the open air away from passerby on campus should not be a privilege. It's a social liberty says Alyssa Stanford, a freshman who states, "I completely understand the health hazards that correlate with it [tobacco use] however Tech didn't provide me or other smokers with a shelter or designated area. (Continued…)
Rob Shults
posted 2/12/10 @ 10:56 PM CST
But seriously. There's no way to enforce this. Campus police cannot be everywhere at once. I'm more concerned about getting robbed in capital quad than smoking. (Continued…)
Matthew
posted 2/27/10 @ 12:01 PM CST
The points were bland at best, but a good article all around. I'll just touch on this: "Firstly, how can this rule really be enforced campus wide? Tech police can't be everywhere at once, and I'd hope they'd be more concerned about the safety of the students and staff than catching people with cigarettes. (Continued…)
Sarah
posted 2/27/10 @ 12:22 PM CST
I see people smoke on South Patio at least once a week. They're really trying to enforce it(maybe) but I still see it.
Chris
posted 3/11/10 @ 7:39 AM CST
This is TBR ordinance. It is not a city, state or federal law. Therefore the University Police will not enforce it. Only if someone becomes unruly or disruptive will the UPD be called upon. (Continued…)
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