SGA President's Blog (comments)

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by G

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:05:41 EST

A ban of smoking campus-wide would definately have my support. Currently at the HSC we have the no smoking inside the green line but those walking up the hill from lot 81 are still subjected to second-hand smoke. I am able to smell the smoke from many feet away. How do we solve this and promote better health in WV? Ban smoking campus-wide. Smokers should have their choice to smoke but it should be done in private, where it is not affecting those who chose not to smoke. It should not be allowed at a public institution, where it affects others who don’t want to be around the smoke.

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by Steven

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:23:52 EST

Please, please, please ban smoking campus-wide. Just a minute ago, as I was diligently focusing on writing a biology lab paper, I had to close my dorm room window to prevent smoke from filling up my room. This happens many, many times every day, and is definitely one of the most offensive things I come across on a daily basis. As far as I know, smoking is the only thing I can do to infringe upon anyone’s rights I wish. If I don’t like someone who lives nearby, who’s going to stop me from blowing smoke through their window? Why am I not allowed to roll up my own pieces of paper and burn them outside of the front door? Why not in front of a building when a 300-person class lets out? I have that right, don’t I? Smoking is disgusting, ignorant, offensive, and it says a lot, at least in my opinion, about a university. Can anyone disagree that my rights to fresh, clean “mountain” air are being infringed upon by people who want a right to burn toxic, foul-smelling substances to feed their ignorant addiction wherever they want?

How is it that other people who posted on this blog say to just “walk around” or “shove your way through” other people smoking, when their cloud of smoke extens 20 feet? Why should I have to walk around the 20-ft cloud of smoke? Should I instead ask the smokers at hand to wash my clothes because they are the reason they don’t stay clean for more than 3 hours? I don’t care who I offend when I say this, smoking is trashy and when a university STILL permits people to smoke whenever and wherever they want as long as it is outside of a door, I tend to think much less of that university. If WVU expects to shed the “trailer-trash redneck” reputation, this would be the place to start. The fact that WVU is even having this discussion absolutely disgusts me.

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by Andrea

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:49:59 EST

Ban smoking campus wide. Right now smokers have the “opportunity” to go outside and enjoy themselves; however, those who do not smoke cannot do the same. Before non smokers can enter a building, they have to walk through a cloud of smoke. If smokers wish to continue smoking, they should smoke in an area that does not infringe upon the rights of others.

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by corey

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:21:14 EST

I don’t smoke and I agree that the world is a healthier place without smoking. However, if people want to smoke, they should be allowed to smoke, so long as it doesn’t unreasonable interfere with activities of other individuals. In the present situation it seems as if the rules have extended too far to effectively exclude all smoking. I suggest that either smoking shelters or smoking rooms be made available for smokers-with well ventilated spaces and/or filtered air. It is ridiculous that some form of accomodation cannot be made for smokers to be able to practice a lawful activity in an open manner.

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by Samantha

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:47:42 EST

Smoking bans are not fair to smokers. I HAVE to have a cigarette before and after class or I can’t focus. It’s part of a smoker’s routine and when it’s thrown off, we go insane. Don’t even consider this policy because people are only going to get aggravated and cause even bigger problems.

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by ed

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:19:19 EST

I think its a great idea to keep everyone smoke free, thanks,
Ed

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by todd clarkson

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:18:12 EST

I think as AMERICANS we should all have the right to smoke. I plan on smoking in my car on my breaks or sneaking into bathrooms and lighting up between patients.
You will never stop me!!!

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by Todd

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:09:16 EST

Smoking should not only be banned on the entire WVU campus, it is imperative that the ban actually be enforced as well. In addition to the obvious health issues, it appears that smokers are among the last members of our society to find littering to be socially acceptable. Clean up our air, and clean up our landscape with a smoking ban.

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by Anonymous

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:26 EST

I think the ban is a great Idea. maybe then we will no longer see patients outside of Ruby smoking a cigarette in a hospital gown with an IV hanging out of their arm.

"SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You" by Cameron

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:19:38 EST

The question at hand is whether or not a ban on smoking would be implemented. My answer to that question, is most definitely.

How fair is it that even though I choose not to smoke, I am, in effect, forced to smoke. If someone smokes near me, I have no choice (other than not breathing) but to breathe in second hand smoke. I cannot actively not-smoke around those who are smoking.

For something with no health benefits, why are we forcing non-smokers (who are also the majority) to suffer the negative effects of something that someone else has chosen to do?

If I were to try to avoid smokers at all times on campus, I would never get anywhere. Why should I have to walk to another entrance of a building to avoid smokers?

Finally, I feel that many people are getting caught up in the semantics of the question at hand. Many people are getting caught up in a similar question of “Can a smoking ban be effectively enforced?” rather than the true question of “Do you support a smoking ban?” No law is effectively enforced 100% of the time that it is broken. How many people can say that they drive under the speed limit at all times?