Editorial: Proposal takes anti-smoking rules too far
In May a proposal to ban smoking on campus passed through the College Senate to continue as a recommendation to the school administration.
Current school policies allow for smoking on campus as long as smokers stand a mandated 15 feet away from buildings.
The basis of the argument for the smoking ban is that the policies in place aren't working.
The main problem isn't the smoke but the enforcement. The proposed smoking ban would necessitate more enforcement than the current constraint.
So instead of increasing the restrictions, why not do more to enforce those that already exist?
We've all seen people smoking right up against buildings on campus, despite signs that clearly indicate the rules.
We question how a complete smoking ban would be enforced if the current restrictions are not.
An idea that was suggested as an alternative to an all-out smoking ban is an anti-smoking educational campaign for the campus.
It doesn't seem like this would be worth the effort or resources. Many of us have been inundated with "Kissing a smoker is like licking an ashtray" billboards and shocking advertisements showing an actual smoker's clogged artery or smoke-damaged heart. The effects of smoking should be painfully clear to everyone.
But as evidenced by the amount of people who still choose to smoke, educational campaigns aren't entirely effective at preventing smoking — so let's not waste our money.
To be frank, the proposed smoking ban is ridiculous. Just because people break rules, the solutions do not always have to be extreme. People speed on the highway frequently. Should we just abolish roads?
There's a way for smokers and non-smokers to coexist on campus and the current proposal isn't it.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE RECORD NEWS
- We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
- Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
- Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
- SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
- President Podolefsky announces leave to fight cancer
- Rappers put Pepsi in a bind
- Congrats to grads: take next step with gratitude
RECENT THE RECORD CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Tips For Improving Mental Health
- New Writers and Illustrators Win Decades-Old Science...
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- La Semana del Aprendizaje Juvenil destaca las oportunidades
- BookTrib's Bites: Four Captivating Spring Reads
- Moms Kick Back with Mamaritas
- Generac Urges Americans to Prepare for Power Outages Early
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- NOW Available: Comcast Launches NOW Brand Prepaid Internet and Mobile Services Nationwide
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding