Sinclair Community College enforces a smoking policy that requires smokers to light up in various designated areas around campus.
This means that smoking should be done within 10 feet of the ashtrays and 25 feet away from doors on campus.
If a student breaks this policy, they will be asked to move to the correct areas and could possibly be referred to Student Judicial Affairs.
However, there is a possibility that this policy could change.
Mary Gaier, vice president for Organizational Development said in an email interview, “In July 2012, the Ohio Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve a resolution recommending that each Board of Trustees of the University System of Ohio consider implementing its own policy to establish its campus as tobacco-free.”
She also said, “Additionally, Organizational Development is currently working with Research, Analytics and Reporting (RAR) to customize a survey that will help the college understand the opinions of the students and employees regarding the suggestion from the Ohio Board of Regents.”
She added that the survey results will be presented to the board.
The Clarion asked Gaier for additional information regarding when the survey will be released. However, at the time of publication, we had not received a response.
Some students feel strongly about the possible change.
“In a democratic society, I believe that as an American citizen, it is my choice to freely choose to smoke anywhere outside,” Brian Ortega, Business major said. “Understanding that it’s not my right to inflict my habits and my smoke on somebody else inside of a building, but anywhere outside and on campus grounds, it’s my right as an American to smoke a cigarette, cigar or anything for that matter.”
Other students have a relaxed outlook.
“I don’t mind it at all,” Annie Cavaliero, an Art major said. “I’d prefer it be away from doorways, at least like 20 feet … because smoke can come inside.”
According to Gaier, at least eight Ohio college campuses have already endorsed a smoke-free campus policy.
Some students can see consequences in the possible policy change.
“It’s a long walk across the street,” Fred Bach, a Liberal Arts major said. “I’d be late all the time.”
Some students feel it’s no different than other outside pollutants.
“I don’t think anything like that should be illegal,” Gavin Hauk, a Communication major said. “People are free to make their own choices. If … it’s outside, it’s not affecting anybody anymore than driving a car [with the] fumes from that, or the fumes from the companies that build the plastics … If they don’t want us to [smoke] on campus, then we’ll go stand in the middle of the street that we’re not allowed to j-walk in and we’ll smoke there. Like, it doesn’t matter what the principle of it is, people are going to do what they’re going to do.”
Gaier said Sinclair would like to provide a healthy environment
“Sinclair is committed to providing a healthful environment for both students and employees, ” she said.
Students currently enrolled in Introduction to Journalism surveyed some Sinclair students regarding how they felt about a possible change in the smoking policy.
“I’m a smoker, but I’m in favor of it. I quit two years ago when I got pregnant, but started again because my husband smokes. I think if it’s easier to smoke, it’s harder to quit. But if it’s harder to smoke, it’s easier to quit.” — Jessica Eaton, a Nursing major
“That’s a good question; I have mixed feelings about that. Obviously there’s a big part of the campus that smokes and a large part that don’t smoke. I personally don’t smoke, but I don’t mind if others do as long as they stay the required amount of distance away from the entry door.” — Nate Dumtschin, an Energy Management major
“If there were some designated areas it would be okay, because sometimes it’s frustrating to walk and have smoke blown in your face.” — Amanda Cappel, a Paralegal major
“I’m switching schools. I smoke in between every one of my classes.” — Christina Freeman, a Nursing major
“I think it’s a wonderful idea. I hate cigarettes; smoking kills people. As a nurse, I see the damage that cigarette smoking causes.” — Cheryl Moore, a Nursing major
“I would be pissed because I smoke regularly.” — Shea Oniate, a Social Work major
“I don’t smoke that often, so it wouldn’t bother me much. But I’m sure it would discourage people that do smoke.” — Mic Green, an American Sign Language major
“I don’t really care. I’m a smoker but I’ll go on the sidewalk to smoke.” — Cliff Montgomery, a Medical Assistant major
“Sinclair should allow students to smoke as long as they provide a designated area. They pay tuition as well, and should be respected.” — Chris Williams, a Communication major
“It will hinder the social aspects of campus.” — Robert Williams, a Geography major