A complete ban on tobacco products has swept college campuses across the nation in recent years.
A new policy for tobacco use on Ouachita’s campus has been discussed and considered among the administration and has been presented to the Board of Trustees.
“The idea was brought up a few years ago and never put into effect,” Brett Powell, vice president for adminstrative services, said. “I guess it started out between me and Dean of Students Keldon Henley. It was mentioned to President Dr. Horne, and he was supportive also.”
The administrative council and Board of Trustees were also supportive.
While no official change has been made and the Tiger Handbook remains as is, plans will soon go into effect regarding the tobacco ban.
The Tiger Handbook currently reads, “Tobacco use of all kinds is prohibited in all campus buildings, and within 15 feet of any building entrance.”
Campus security is responsible for enforcing the policy, but as they cannot be everywhere at once, violation sometimes goes unpunished.
“I know that if anyone were to complain to safety, that a safety officer will ask the smokers to stop smoking or move,” said senior Casey Brown. “But it depends on whether or not someone complains.”
The issue was brought up after noticing the trend of banning tobacco. “It’s something that’s growing on university campuses,” Powell said.
Some students recognize the reasoning behind the decision.
“I’m supportive of the ban because there is smoke on campus and I do notice it,” said freshman Leigha Hill. “In reality, it is a problem.”
Others lean the other way.
Junior Ian Whitlow sees the reason for the switch as being “to save face and to take away more of our freedom as students.”
Brown agrees. “I think its going into effect because OBU wants to project an image that says, ‘We don’t smoke.’”
While no decisions have been made on dates of when the policy’s enforcement will begin, action is being taken to get the ball rolling.
“We’re probably going to go ahead with some plans,” Powell said. “We’ll begin with literature for assistance to people who want to quit,” he added.
Many students who smoke on campus do not want to quit, though.
“Quitting isn’t something that happens when a person realizes that smoking is bad for them,” Brown said. “We all know how bad smoking is for us. Quitting smoking is a choice, not a revelation.”
A recurring issue with the policy among students, smokers and non-smokers alike, is a loss of freedom.
“I’m not saying I condone smoking, but I feel like as adults we should be able to choose,” Wade said.
At the end of last semester Student Senate was asked to submit, in writing, an approval or disapproval of the possible ban on behalf of the student body. Senate discussed a poll taken by Ouachita students regarding the matter.
Fifty-six percent of the polled students supported the policy, while 44 percent were against it. Senate came to a decision to remain neutral regarding the matter, based on the relatively neutral poll results.
“If they [Ouachita] would enforce the ban I would appreciate it,” said freshman Amy Harrington.
Some smokers and non-smokers alike share the opinion that the issue of smoking has not become a problem for Ouachita.
“The vast majority of smokers on campus smoke behind their dorms where they aren’t hurting or bothering anyone,” senior Jimmy Peebles, a smoker, said.
“I just don’t think it is that big of a deal.” Wade said.
The administration ultimately wants to make sure people really understand the effects.
“The decision is for the health of our population,” Powell said.
The problem with this tobacco ban is that it is just another way for OBU to try to control students’ lives. I personally am not a smoker nor are any of my close friends. We don’t plan on smoking but I don’t want OBU to tell me what I can and cannot do. Everyone on this campus is of legal age to use tobacco products so I’m not sure why Ouachita wants to step in. To say that this ban is about students’ health is farfetched. We all had to sit through “Say No To Drugs” speeches, Red Ribbon Week, and have seen the warnign lables from the Surgeon general on everypack of cigaretts. We are not stupid, we know the effects and risks of using tobacco products; people who use these products are not ignorant of this information, they just made a choice to indulge. What’s the difference between a smoker and someone like me who very much enjoys his Dr Pepper and Caffeine (which research shows is a drug)? It is legal for both of us; they are both unhealthy? Is that what’s next for Ouachita, no more caffeine?
The smoking ban is a good idea, especially because of people like me who are allergic to cigarette smoke.