A
campus wide evaluation of UW La-Crosse’s smoking policy conducted last
semester has resulted in the affirmation of and the increased commitment
to the current policy.
The results of the examination of smoking policy have not led to any changes. Students and faculty may smoke on campus as long as they are a least 25 feet away from campus buildings. This
policy is designed to allow smokers the benefit of staying on campus,
but protects smoke from wafting into residence halls and classrooms. This policy also keeps high traffic entrances free of smoke.
The
renewed focus on smoking policy is a result of heightened smoking
awareness after the passing of the Smoke Free Wisconsin Act, banning
smoking in most public buildings and work places. The evaluation was a
collaboration of many different campus organizations including the
Student Senate, Resident Hall Association Council (RHAC), and the
Faculty Senate.
Rob Schneider, last year’s RHAC President, says that the issue presented a conflict of interests for the campus community. “For non-smoking students, the issue seems cut and dry. But it is important to recognize the importance of not infringing students rights.” Schneider
continued by saying that a campus wide smoking ban would force valuable
UW-L community members who smoke to leave campus on a daily basis, and
therefore leave a community to which they belong.
Nick
Yurk, a senior attending UW-L notes that he “met some of [his] closest
smoking and non-smoking friends while at informal hookah smoking
gatherings on campus.” To make students leave to
smoke says Yurk “sends them the message that they are not welcome or
that they are different than the other students.”
Those who advocate for a smoking ban on campus cite their freedom to a healthy learning environment. “It
is important that we protect the rights of students who do not wish to
be exposed to the health risks of tobacco” says former Student Senate
Vice President Jason Krug. This is a valid concern as second hand smoke has been proven to have negative health implications. “It is important to find a balance,” maintained Krug.
Policy makers hope that this policy satisfies the needs of all parties and fosters respect for individual choice.
