University Considering Smoking Ban, Students Divided
An ashtray next to a Campbell student's apartment. Photo by Trevor Normile
by Trevor Normile
Student-smokers at Campbell University have been on edge as of late due to the administration considering the option of banning all cigarette use on campus.
Student Interview (mp3):
According to www.tobaccofreecollegenc.com, a website dedicated to the reduction of smoking within the average college age group, North Carolina community colleges have the ability to ban smoking on their campuses.
The University of North Carolina has already banned it on school grounds (100 feet from any government-owned or leased property).
In an interview with the Campbell Times last November, Campbell Vice President for Student Life Dennis Bazemore stated that the University was considering a no-smoking rule and that any decision would be based upon surveys given to students and faculty as well as a panel formed to review it as a possibility.
Senior Communication Studies and Spanish major Sara McCarthy supports the passing of a smoking ban.
“I understand that smoking is a personal decision, but I really would appreciate being able to walk to class without having smoke blown in my face while walking around campus,” she said.
However, Campbell History professor Dr. Jaclyn Stanke spoke to the tension of the situation,
“I’m in favor of safeguarding individual rights, but my brother recently recovered from stage three lung cancer, and having gone through that I support the fact that such a rule would be a deterrent for students. I’m torn”.
According to the Campbell University student handbook, the current regulations prohibit smoking within 25 feet of any building on campus.
Links for further reading:
Video Addendum:
