Faculty & Staff
Smoke-Free Campus?
Posted November 6, 2008 by admin
NMSU Alamogordo is considering options regarding moving toward a smoke-free (no smoking) campus. Possibilities include:
- Going completely smoke-free
- Designating a few “smoking areas” around campus
- Leaving things the way they are (no smoking in and within 25 feet of campus building entrances)
Campus administrators are currently seeking input concerning these possibilities. If you have an opinion, please make a comment below! Thanks.
Comments
11 Responses to “Smoke-Free Campus?”
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Probably option 2 would be best in my opinion. Making the campus completely smoke free would be nice but probably not practical since we do have a lot of students that smoke.
I agree with Terri. A smoke-free environment is healthier for all, but a real pain for those who do smoke (employees especially, as well as students who might be on campus for extended periods). So, this option is not too practical.
The no smoking within 25 feet rule has not been well-observed. Cigarette butts are often left in flower beds and other places around campus, particularly by the entrances to the Bistro. Furthermore, as I walk around the campus I often find myself traveling behind someone who had recently walked that same path and was smoking (I’m breathing their second-hand smoke). If there’s no breeze blowing, the smoke doesn’t drift away very quickly with the closeness of the buildings.
The designated smoking areas recommendation is, in my opinion, likely to be the least offensive, most agreeable “common” ground for those who don’t smoke, and those who do. However, it will take respect by all parties to make sure this agreement will work.
Thanks.
I’m with these two–I want designated smoking areas. Walking through a “smoke-path” left by a smoker wreaks havoc on my sinuses. And people certainly do not stay 25 feet away from doors when they smoke. With designated areas, we can have a cleaner environment and it will be much easier to enforce.
all for option 2 or better enforcement on 3
I dont smoke myself, but many students and staff do, it wouldnt be fair to them to prohibit smoking completely on campus… then its going to be like in public highschools where everybody ends up smoking behind some bushes or something while noone is looking.
I only see one problem with the whole thing, who is enforcing it? I cant see our few security personal turn into smoking prison guards to keep the smokers fenced into their designated area and if there is no enforcement who is going to care?
I supposed the easiest way is to enforce the 25 feet or so rule a bit better and put up signs that include possible punishment for violation (if there even is any, I dont even know).
tata,
Sebi
There are alot of students who do not smoke and do not want to be around smoke for a variety of reasons. If we could just keep smoking in serveral parts of the campus then we can Accommodate both needs. I agree with everyone that the second choice is the best for all!
I defenetely think, that any instution of higher learning should be “Smoke Free.” There is no question on anyone’s mind that tabacco smoking is hazardous, not just the smokers, but also for others in the vecinity. Tobacco smoke does not respect the boundaries set up on campus, it drifts and inevitably finds its way into the lungs of non-smokers. College campuses should not compromise the health of their present and future students. My choice is for a total SMOKE-FREE campus!
While a smoke free campus is a good isea, it is not pratical. As a smoker, I would still spark up when I leave my car and smoke on the way to class. As there is no designated smoking areas, this does interfere with the air quality of the people who do not wish to smoke. Then, the people (students, faculty, etc.) who wish to smoke are then discriminated against. Yes, it is a form of discrimination. Until the legality of tobacco is settled, it is a legal substance. So, Virginia, while there might be a Santa Claus, I hope he smokes outside (like I do at the house), in an area removed from doors and windows (not hard to find), in an enviroment that has as litlle impact as possible to non-smokers and smokers alike. This policy should also apply to those who use smokless tobacco, like shew. Keep it outdoors. And, since driving causes more deaths than smoking, I have to hear of the outcry to limit driving! Oh, yeah, they have a driving area, they are the roads.
A smoke free campus is not only practical it’s a must! It’s a health hazard people!!! We are catering to a small minority that chose to smoke. What about the people that chose to breathe clean air? Not only breathe clean air have asthma, COPD, or are trying to quit themselves. Why as an administration are you afraid to enforce rules that you KNOW are the right thing to do? As for the discrimination comment PLEASE….again what about the people that don’t want to smell or be affected by the stench? Smoke is not respectful and stay in it’s little area, it travels then the smokers come to class pretending they don’t smell, sitting next to of course a nonsmoker? It’s not just an issue of nonsmokers that don’t like cigarettes, again it’s a health issue.
Universities have always been viewed by societies as places of enlightenment, where minds are shaped not only for the workplace, but with a goal to be future leaders and innovators. Such a claim is hard to make, however, when a university openly allows it’s students participate in an activity that is bad for the health of all those involved. Colleges should not allow smoking on campus for obvious health risks, should promote a healthy environment for all students and campuses of higher learning should set an example for the rest of the educational community and society.
The evidence that both first-hand and second-smoking causes poor health is overwhelming. From a health perspective there is no justification for smoking. The reason for this is clear: smoking is a habit that threatens not only the health of the smoker. There is no way to insure that all students will not face some health risks from second-hand smoke as long as smoking is allowed on campus. If in some way a devised can be crated to remove or filter all of the unhealthy chemicals present in tobacco smoke, probably non-smoker will be okay with it. In this way smoking would only continue to impact the health of those who are smoking.
Campuses of higher learning should set an example for the rest of the educational community and society. All public schools and many businesses are now smoke free. How can a college claim to be preparing its students for the workplace, by allowing them to participate in an activity that they will have to stop once hired. This is particularly true for anyone entering public education. Smoking teachers’ lounges do not exist and most campuses require teachers to remain there from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone who has known a smoker knows there are few smokers who can go this long without lighting up. Smoking is banned on public school campuses. It is difficult for colleges to claim to be institutions of higher learning if they are not leading the way in terms of reducing obvious unhealthy activities, but instead are lagging behind steps that have been taken by both the public school system and private business.
The primary reason that smoking is still allowed on college campuses is that smokers see the probition of their habit as a violation of their personal freedom. By this logic any unhealthy activity could be justified. It is my contention that smoking is a habit with the potential to have at least as adverse an impact on both the person partaking of that substance as those around him or her as drinking. For colleges to knowingly compromise the health and future of its students makes these campus not leaders or followers of progressive thought, but hinders.
Russ, many people I know smoke. Some are classmates that I respect and very much enjoy their company. They are wonderful people. I sit next to them, and see beyond the subtle smell of cigarette. I do not hang out with them outside because they are smokers. I have allergies to many things; cigarette smoke is one of them. Anyone with allergies, know, what I am talking about. Others are astma sufferers, smoking really complicates their symptoms, not to mention overall heath. I am sure you know the rest. Bottom line is smoking is a weapon of mass destruction. The diference between smoking and an AK47, is that one is subtle killer. It slowly, reaps your life away.
As a long time student at this campus, I have found that smoking hookah before class with fellow students helps us become more relaxed. I can’t help but to think that smokers are being singled out because of our unhealthy life style. I think things should stay the way they are now, 25 ft. from the doors. New Mexico has strong enough winds that “second hand” smoke would be harmlessly blown away. People always have the option of walking away or not being around us smokers. Thank you.