hancing social interactions? 9% yes 91% no Respondents were able to comment in their own words and describe their feelings of the tobacco usage on campus. An overwhelming response of those who feel negatively about the current way tobacco use is being done on campus had issue with the fact that smokers do not abide by the current 25 feet distance policy. One such respondent said, “While I feel like people should be free to use products like that as they please, they do not abide by the current restrictions in place that call for people to stay a certain distance from entrances.” Indeed, one would be remiss if they were to claim that everyone who smokes abides by this rule. Ask almost any student if, on a busy Saturday night, they’ve seen people on G-Street staying the 25feet distance as they are supposed to and they’ll be sure to say no. Many also brought up the issue of secondhand smoke. “I feel that it’s unfair to those students who are tobacco free to have to be surrounded by cigarette smoke on the campus they’re paying to be a student at. It’s not only hazardous to students who are smoking, but the innocent bystanders who are tobacco free”, said one. “I absolutely hate the amount of tobacco-product usage on campus. For the sake of everyone’s health, we’d be far better off as a tobacco free campus”, stated another. Those students whose health is particularly affected, such as those who suffer from asthma, also expressed their concerns and dissatisfaction. Another large problem that many have with the current state of things is the etiquette of the smok-
ers on campus. An astonishing amount of respondents reported being tired of walking through a haze of stale cigarette smoke every time they left an academic building, as many smokers have been reported to congregate near the entrances of buildings. There were many, many complaints about the amount of cigarette butts that are not properly disposed of and the seeming laziness of the smokers to dispose of their butts properly. “Purchase is a beautiful campus but the cigarette butts all over the place make it look really dirty. If people smoke and dispose of their butts in the correct place I wouldn’t mind”, another individual commented. Those who oppose the ban brought up the fact that many of them consider it to be an infringement of peoples’ rights. “I feel that the college’s repeated attempts to limit tobacco use and ostracize users infringes on our rights as students and citizens.” Being a legal adult means that you are allowed to purchase and use tobacco products because it is a personal choice, many were keen to point out as well. “This is America. Legal products should be allowed everywhere and anywhere.” “It’s fine, although we should focus on having more available outdoor cigarette ashtrays, banning cigarettes would only increase smoking in the woods, leading to more litter.” The fact that Purchase is isolated, in the middle of the woods rather than close to town, would also create problems for smokers - potentially driving them inside, as many pointed out. “I expect that banning smoking would lead to a lot of smoking in the dorms and apartments, as what happens with marijuana, which would be worse,” said one such ex14
ample. Others who were critical of the ban and those who endorse it mentioned the existence of the wellness dorm and how they believe that should suffice to cater to those who do not wish to be around tobacco products. “I think its fine for people to use tobacco on campus. We’re all adults here. If you don’t want to smell the smoke, request wellness housing.” There were others who believe that there are bigger fish to fry than tobacco usage. “The use of tobacco is a personal matter and should be left to the individual. I strongly believe that the tobacco use on our campus should not be a pressing issue for the SUNY Purchase administration. I feel the administration should focus their community meetings on other health and safety issues like the startling number of sexual assaults on this campus,” pointed out one concerned member of campus. An overwhelming percentage of respondents did cite being open to a compromise, namely the institution of designated smoking areas. Those who are unhappy with the current state of smoking on campus, even if they are against smoking in general, reported that they would have no problem, or at the very least would be less frustrated, if there were specific areas on campus that permitted smoking. Some were against it being used on the main parts of campus, such as the Mall. Considering just how many people would be placated by the institution of designated smoking areas, according to the survey, it may be an option that should be looked into by the administration if the current policy is not sufficient, before banning tobacco outright. 26 October 2013