Smoking ban proposal tries to find a compromise
SGA wrote a bill in response to the online poll conducted in September, which reported that only 60 percent of students supported a completely smoke-free campus. To compromise between smokers and nonsmokers, the legislature proposed restricting smoking outside of doorways and entrances by 30 feet.
“We passed a resolution specifically limiting smoking,” SGA President Ryan Greene said. “After SGA passed the resolution, SGA Senate assigned a committee to further investigate this policy before they pass the resolution.”
As students and faculty gathered to discuss the issue, they aggressively asserted their opinions both for and against the legislation.
“I do not believe that this is the right movement,” said Andrei Barkovskii, biology professor. “If [smoking] is to be restricted, why not remove all the soda machines? Those are just as unhealthy.”
Many students and faculty expressed concern about people smoking in doorways and recognized the need to clearly define the previously unstructured smoking policy at GCSU.
“We don’t want to tell people what they can and can’t do,” SGA Attorney General Michael George said. “We just want a formalization of these unspoken policies because you never know when someone in the door has a smoke allergy.”
Representatives from health services, including Director Alice Loper and Infirmary Specialist Rachel Sullivan, spoke against the legislation, saying that due to the health risks of second-hand smoke, smoking should not be allowed on campus at all, even under SGA’s proposed policy.
“According to statistics, 651 students would die of smoke related disease later in life if allowed to smoke,” Sullivan said. “I support the notion of a smoke-free campus. We’re already smoke free at the Depot and we teach students how to quit, yet allow smoking on campus.”
Loper continued to add that nonsmoking campuses, like Gainesville State, encourage smokers to quit and prevent many students from starting. Audience members at the forum recognized the benefits of restricting or prohibiting smoking, but questioned the effective enforcement of these policies.
“I don’t smoke, I don’t appreciate people smoking,” said Paul Jahr, assistant vice president of student services. “Yet, I’m uncomfortable trying to legislate what should be a common courtesy.”
According to the SGA proposed policy, students would receive a $100 fine as a consequence for smoking.
“If you’re going to have the 30 feet smoking policy enforced, the chances of my officers catching anyone would be slim,” said Director of Public Safety David Groseclose. “If you had permissible areas, you might be able to enforce that, but it’s really a courtesy issue.”
Other participants in the discussion questioned the costs of implementing a new smoking policy. SGA representatives stated that the cost of moving ashtrays and urns further away from the building would cost nearly nothing. Yet discussion participants proposed covered smoking areas, which like sheltered bus stops, could weigh significantly on the school budget.
“I personally like the idea,” said Greg Brown, associate director of Auxiliary Services.
With continual audience participation, the forum thoroughly discussed many aspects of policy.
“I learned a lot,” said Doug Oetter, assistant professor and chair of the faculty senate committee reviewing the policy. “I enjoyed the range of opinions and look forward to hearing more people.”
SGA scheduled another forum to discuss the smoking issue on Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. and encourages all students to come and further discuss this sensitive issue.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Jan 30 2009. Filed under News.
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