Armstrong's new smoking policy

At the beginning of the semester, we were assigned to write three papers throughout the semester regarding local, state, and national issues. Before I settled http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifwriting my first paper about Atlanta's transit system, I was trying to decide between that and the new smoking ban on campus, which will start in August.

Last year, I was sent an email with a survey regarding the current smoking policy at Armstrong. I believe that people are not allowed to smoke inside the buildings, but can smoke outside 20 feet away. Though, I am not a smoker and I am not passionate about this issue, I do feel bad for the people who smoke.

Before I talk about why, I would like to give some background information provided by my school's newspaper The Inkwell.

According to the article, around 2010, The Georgia Smoker Free Air Act prohibits smoking in any building--including private offices--owned, leased or operated by any department in the state of Georgia.

In 2010, Armstrong's faculty Senate passes resolution to form a committee of faculty. staff and students to explore adoption of a smoke-free campus. Also, the Student Government Association (SGA) passes resolution to support adoption of establishing smoking stations prohibiting smoking in all other areas around campus.

In 2011, the city of Savannah enacts smoking ordinance which prohibits smoking within 10 feet of all businesses. And shortly after, Armstrong's Tobacco Task Force sends out a survey: the majority of participants were in favor of designated favors for smokers.

In 2012, President Bleicken sends a campus-wide email, declaring Armstrong a smoke-free campus.

To be honest, though I took the survey, I did not know Armstrong would actually become a smoke-free campus. While I don't smoke, I have friends who do, and I feel as though I do not have the right, especially to an adult, to tell them how they should live their lives. I also don't believe Armstrong should medal in the health of others, because it is simply not their place. Armstrong is a learning institution, people come to this university to learn, not have someone scold them on their health.

Also, I don't see the point in the original survey, if the president already made her decision. Don't ask for others opinions and act like you will take their vote into consideration, and then you don't. The president always wanted a smoke-free campus and just should have made it one.

I hope this issue encourages students to take more of a stand on future issues. I have no problem with people who smoke, especially if they are smoking outside. As long as it is not indoors, smoke away.