Reactions to the smoking ban

1/31/08

By Nathaniel Champagne
Critic Staff

Students around Lyndon State’s campus will notice the signs informing them of the newly enacted smoking policy.

Smoking is no longer allowed on campus except for designated areas such as the parking lots.

“It’s not going to stop us,” said Sue, a smoker, when asked about the smoking ban.

There is no fine for smoking on campus according to George Hacking, director of public safety.

This isn’t to say that there won’t be one but simply that Jonathan Davis, director of Residential Life, has yet to decide how much the fine should be.

“I’m worried,” Natalie, a non-smoker, said. Smoking in the courtyard is a social experience, forcing the drunk kids who smoke into the parking lots is just asking for trouble.”

Members of the LSC Health and Safety Committee formed the new policy. The policy was approved by LSC President Carol Moore.

Donna Dalton, dean of Academic and Student Affairs, did not sit on the Health and Safety Committee but was able to comment on the issue.

The idea behind limiting smoking to the parking lots is to cut down on second hand smoke and litter caused by cigarette butts, Dalton said.

Aside from the change in location as to where people can smoke, little else is different in regards to how the policy is enforced.

Public Safety does not have the personnel to create a smoking patrol. If they spot people violating the ban while performing their other duties, they will then take action.

Prior to the new policy going into effect, there were concerns of vandalism incidents in the parking lot rising due to more people going there to smoke.

There haven’t been any reported cases of vandalism related to the new smoking policy since being put into effect on Jan. 1.


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