Smoking policy clears the air
By: Stephanie Ibarra
Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Campus News
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After receiving various complaints from students and staff concerning the clouds of smoke surrounding building entrances around campus, a more recent revision concerning the smoking policy has surfaced, with hoards of students already backing the change.
"Is smoking bad for your health? We all know the answer. I go to school to learn, not inhale second hand smoke. Maybe TAMIU wouldn't have done this if so many smokers [hadn't] left their butts everywhere. Ultimately I don't care though...and could care less, but it's going to be a bitch if you smoke packs a day" says TAMIU graduate student, Leonardo De La Garza.
Felipe Garza, Director of University Police Services, is asking for voluntary compliance from those that express contrary sentiments about smoking on campus. Repercussions will follow for those that violate this policy, "Those smokers who violate this rule will be asked to comply with the University's regulation, if they don't comply they may be issued a citation for violating the rule. Fines have not been set for those receiving a citation for failing to comply with the University rule. Notices of violations will be sent to appropriate offices. If the violator is a student, the information will be sent to the Judicial Affairs office for action. If the violator is a faculty or staff employee the notice will be sent to the Provost or the appropriate Vice President for possible administrative action," explains Garza.
The policy is pending approval, but once official it will require all smokers to smoke in "Smoking Pavilions" or risk a citation elsewhere. These designated Smoking Pavilions can already be found scattered around campus between the parking lots and buildings for those who need a smoke between classes.
"The new "smoking pavilions" are too few, inconveniently small and have been placed in unpractical locations. The policy should be more flexible towards smokers without compromising non-smokers' health and well-being. I believe smoking should only be prohibited in the immediate surroundings of the buildings (10 ft) or even a slightly bigger distance. TAMIU has plenty of wide open spaces where smoking shouldn't be prohibited," states TAMIU senior, Mayra Garza.
Despite disapproval from several, the consensus seems to be that the policy change is more than fair. "In the long run, this new policy will be for the better good...might [get] some smokers to [quit], and even then we do have students with different health issues that are affected by second hand smoking, such as asthmatics. Even frequent migraines and headaches are associated with second hand smoking. Plus cigarette butts are not bio-degradable. There are more pros than cons in this situation," maintained TAMIU junior, Jessica Oviedo.
The University will have an educational period where the community will be informed of new changes to the Smoke Free Campus rule.
To voice your opinion on this new change visit out website and take the poll at www.thebridgenewspaper.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
Freedom Fighter
posted 11/20/09 @ 4:19 PM CST
This is a joke.
Annoyed by the obnoxious
posted 11/21/09 @ 12:03 PM CST
This wouldn't even have been an issue if so many smokers hadn't been doing so as obnoxiously as they have been. Crowding the entrances of buildings thinking they have precedence over others? That's a joke. (Continued…)
John
posted 11/21/09 @ 12:04 PM CST
I've often seen smokers congregating right next to doorways and in heavily trafficked areas. This flippant disregard for the rights of others is one of the reasons it is a habit looked down on by so many. (Continued…)
This Shouldn't Be an Issue
posted 12/16/09 @ 10:38 PM CST
I still don't understand TAMIU and how they put up with things that affect so many people. Couple a years ago, this was a no smoking campus (and a lot of people didn't know that) and they STILL did not cite or ticket people they said they would. (Continued…)
San Antonio Movers
posted 1/20/10 @ 2:55 PM CST
The no smoking policy is meant to be in the interest of health for the general public on campus. It's the school's right to disallow smoking and they're giving the smokers a favor by allowing it in certain spots. (Continued…)
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