Post Classifieds
Campus steps up smoking ban
By Joshua T. Clegatt
On March 8, 2012
This semester, Buffalo State has entered the second phase in the campus-wide smoking ban that
began last fall.
Under the slogan, "Living Our Best Life Tobacco Free," the college has begun to implement
soft enforcement techniques. Vice President of Student Affairs Hal Payne said this involves
voluntary compliance, which means all students and staff are educated about the smoking ban
through posters and outreach initiatives.
During this phase, students and staff are free to smoke on campus if they choose to, but are
encouraged to respect current smoking policy by standing at least 10 feet away from the nearest
building entrance and disposing of cigarette butts in designated containers. This stage will last
through the rest of the spring semester.
According to Payne, the last stage of the ban begins in September, and will be called the "hard
enforcement stage." Campus administrators are still in the process of determining what penalties
will be imposed for smoking during this stage, but say it could include citations or verbal
commands. Once the hard enforcement stage is in effect, it will remain indefinitely.
"You can expect any actions in this campaign to be respectful of the rights of students, faculty,
and staff concerned about their health and supportive of their goals of changing their habits to
reduce the use of tobacco," said Charles Kenyon, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.
"There is always a certain tension between individual rights and societal interests," Payne
said. "Many people would assert that individuals have a right to make a decision about whether
they smoke or not. Over the last many years, there has simply been a change on how we are
balancing the individual's right to smoke against the society's interest in not being exposed to
smokers."
Before the policy was enacted, the College Senate began hearing concerns from people in
the Buffalo State community about cigarette smoke coming into buildings through vents and
doorways as smokers gathered outside.
"Staff members went to the Senate with the concerns which led to the Senate chair raising the
issue level to the point where I was asked to charge our Student Health Advisory Committee
with looking at our tobacco free policy," Payne said.
Junior psychology major Robert Williams said he's happy about the steps the college is taking to
ban smoking, and thinks it will lead to a more pleasant learning and living environment.
"I think it would be something positive. I feel like it would be beneficial to the school and for the
students," he said.
Joshua Clegatt can be reached at jclegatt@yahoo.com
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
Students donate shoes, raise money for Boston bombing victims
Buffalo State's Evergreen program is teaming up with the nonprofit Herding for the Hurting in collecting donated shoes to raise money ...
Chartwells plans campus food truck
The food truck phenomenon has made its way to campus as the route, menu and name of a new Chartwells truck will be decided on by ...
USG sens motion 'no confidence'
Correction: In light of new information learned following the publishing of the original version of this story, The Record would like ...
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
- 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
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Moms Kick Back with Mamaritas
- 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
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- 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
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
