With all of the money the University put into the LEEDS-certified renovation of Thomas and Lightner Hall, the one element that may keep us from being fully certified is that the halls are not smoke-free. This will change in 2009-2010. There is no way to justify not going all the way on this important project. Since I quit smoking in 1986 or so, the wave of anti-smoking sentiment has continued to rise. Sitting at a sports bar this weekend with colleague Ben Newhouse reminded me why. (Both of our teams - the Titans and Packers - were big winners, by the way.) The gentleman next to me about killed me, though it was a little enticing as well.
So where do we go from here? Should all dorms be smoke-free starting next academic year? ASR has said no in the past. (Of course ASR supported Sophomore College, until the following year, when it didn't.) As the policy stands, students may smoke on balconies and walkways.
What do you think? Take the poll at right to weigh in.
7 comments:
David thank-you ...I quit 21 years ago one of the most difficult things I have ever done.
I understand your commitment to the LEED criteria for the new buildings, but I think this is going a bit too far. We are required to live on campus for three years and are encouraged to make these places our "home" away from home, but how can we do that with multiple restrictions on our living conditions.
-concerned jr
Absolutely! Smoke-free is the way to go. The nicotine in cigarettes is as addictive as crack so what's the delay? The habits that these young adults form now will be with them for the duration of their lives. Once you start, you're either a smoker or one of the lucky ones who "quit". Cigarette smoking causes cancer. It stinks. It's gross. Why is there even a question?
Since government buildings and restaurants are required, at least in Houston, to be smoke-free, and the option always remains to take the smoke outside, it's perfectly reasonable to require that the dorms and all buildings on campus be kept smoke free. It's a nasty habit that infringes on the health of others. We've personally watched people die from cancer, emphysema, and COPD. Some of these people did nothing to deserve this suffering except breathe the air around them. We all live with enough environmental contaminants that cannot be controlled -- smoking can! It's a no brainer!
Of course the dorms should be smoke feee. Non-smokers shouldn't have to be assaulted by smokers. Also, smoking should be banned around the entrances to the buildings. I can't tell you how many times I've had to hold my breath outside the library, Chapman, SLH, and Moody. Is it too much to make smokers move to an open area?
Interesting to see the diversity of opinion on this topic. For some it is about rights and for others it is about health. I remember arguing vigorously as a college student NOT to have the cigarette machine removed from the dorm. I lost.
Hi Nice Blog Nicotine replacement therapy is not all about nicotine. It is about picking the good over the bad. It is not going to help if you way to quit smoking and pick up some other bad habit.
Post a Comment