Submitted May 1, 2011: District is tip-toeing around the smoking ban enforcement.
Dear Editor-
It is good news to read that some consideration is being given to enforcing the campus smoking ban. I am a Continuing-Ed student who is on campus twice a week. I would really like to walk up to these smoking knuckleheads and say, “What part of smoke-free don’t you understand?” The problem is I would have to expose myself to their cigarette smoke to do so.
While smokers have a choice about smoking, none of the rest of us have a choice about breathing. Those of us who have asthma are really out of luck. I pass a number of smokers going to and from the parking lot. Presumably, they are college students who know how to read.
I understand this is a non-enforcement period, a time of just getting the word out. So let’s see the place plastered with signs all the way out to the far ends of the parking lots. “Tobacco Free For You and Me” is sweet but I don’t think it’s getting the job done. How about, “Tobacco-Free Campus. Don’t smoke.” Let’s see some signs that say, “Your parked car is on campus. Don’t smoke.” How about some that say, “Don’t smoke. The Rest Of Us Have To Breath.” Or, “What part of smoke-free don’t you understand?” In those hidden smoking spots? “No smoking here, either!”
The April 21 article, “Smoking enforcement under discussion” sounds like the district is tippytoeing around the issue, afraid to make any tough decisions. This is a health issue for heaven’s sake. I cannot imagine why the enforcement procedures were not part of the initial smoking ban but better late than never. The district should lock themselves in a room somewhere and not come out until it settles on a unified enforcement procedure. The next day, enforce away. Fall 2011, is months away. Thank you from those of us who enjoy breathing regularly.
Ellen L. Nolte
– Student –
