Smoking continues on campus despite Tobacco Ban
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April weather means warmer temperatures and a greener campus, which makes the walk to class a little more tolerable. However, it is impossible to focus on Marshall University’s “tobacco free campus” through a cloud of smoke. Despite the “no smoking signs” placed on campus buildings, people continue to use tobacco and e-cigarettes throughout campus
A Tobacco Ban was placed on Marshall’s campus July 1, 2013 and is imposed on all students, faculty, staff and visitors. But the ban can be lifted for events that take place on campus that attract large crowds. E-cigarettes were also banned. This is the only information, however, on the ban that can be found. Marshall’s website does not list any guidelines or consequences for those who are caught smoking on campus.
After three years, one would think the days of cigarette butts littering sidewalks and flower beds were over, but the smoking presence continues to linger.
A past student said in a 2014 MU Report story students on campus were at the age where they can make the decision to smoke or not.
“It’s not going to work. People are still going to smoke. We’re adults. We can make this decision by ourselves and you telling us that we can’t do it aren’t going to change the fact that we are.”
The people who attend and work for Marshall are of the age where they can make the decision to smoke or not, but should show the respect for those who wish to not smoke by refraining from smoking while walking through campus or the high traffic areas.
There should be dedicated areas for those who choose to smoke. Those students who do obey the Tobacco Ban instead of not smoking at all, line the perimeter of the school instead of not smoking on campus at all. Students congregate outside dorms to smoke, making it difficult for others to avoid the smoke. For those who want to smoke and continue to do so, there is no known punishment or information listed in order to inform students and faculty of the ban.
Communication between Marshall administration, students and faculty would provide a better foundation to enforce the ban. If people do not know how far away from campus they can smoke and what are the consequences are of disobeying the guidelines. Better enforcement would also prevent students and faculty from disobeying the ban.
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Aristotle Bean • Apr 22, 2016 at 1:25 am
I have to agree with both of the opinions expressed besides mine.
Bans and regulations that expand government is favored by the Left, even when it knows they are unnecessary for health.
Why?\
Because it serves to expand government.
And as government expands, socialism can find it’s footing.
It’s not just smoking. Anything that can form the basis of criticism will be trumpeted by the Left.
The tactic is called “critical theory”. Look it up. Not to be confused with “critical thinking theory” or “critical skills”.
Critical theory is used by the Left every day on every campus.
The idea is to criticize something until a committee is formed to investigate it, or a regulation is passed to regulate it.
The point is to grow the government.
Millions of American conservatives are wise to this strategy. But please research it.
Start with YouTube. Here’s one of the best videos that explain it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6c_dinY3fM
Allan Marshall • Apr 17, 2016 at 9:00 pm
These outdoor college campus smoking bans were NEVER about health, and always about pathetically ‘denormalizing’ smoking. Not to forget lying about SHS, and go along with government grants to institute an unnecessary policy, when designated outdoor smoking areas would’ve been a fair compromise. End of story!
Phil J • Apr 12, 2016 at 6:08 pm
This is so much BS, especially as SHS is no longer considered dangerous so how can it be that these silly universities insist on banging the drum with regards to mortality etc. As a non-smoker I simply cannot understand why people are making such a meal out of the odd wisp of smoke-especially when considering just how much tonnage of vehicle exhaust fumes are being pumped into our atmosphere every minute of everyday!
Common sense would deem that more ashtrays are needed on site and less restrictions etc. It’s the adults & lawmakers that need to grow up-not the kids!