2008 Woodie Awards
SGA considers smoking ban
Katie Hylas
Issue date: 3/16/06 Section: News
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Since President Emeritus John McCardell implemented a ban in 2004, smoking has been prohibited inside College buildings. Last month, faculty and staff members pressured the Council to implement, or at the very least discuss, further restrictions on smoking. Specific complaints pertained to smoke getting into buildings. The considerations of the Council included the designation of at least one smoke-free entrance to every building where smoking is prohibited, the designation of a certain distance from building entrances in which smoking is prohibited, making individual specifications for each building depending on the placements of windows or overhangs, banning all smoking on campus or making no change to the current policy.
Roughly a dozen students attended the meeting to express concerns or listen to debate about the potential smoking policy revision, the majority of whom were smokers. These students voiced frustration and offense.
Shanaz Chowdhury '09 protested that proposed policies treat smokers "as if we have a disease." She demanded, "Should we stand in the middle of the street when cars are passing by?"
Akash Mohpal '09 asserted, "We already have so many laws, rules and regulations to follow."
When the SGA picked up discussion again, the electric atmosphere was sustained. Senior Class Senator Andrew Carnabuci said smokers are the most stigmatized group on campus. He reminded the SGA of its responsibilities toward the smokers on campus. "We need to protect the rights of the minority as well." As he quickly scratched out a resolution calling for no changes to the current policy he said of the smoke outside buildings, "It's just a bad smell."