Sophomore animal science major Elise Kim likes to enjoy a cigarette on campus when she has a stomachache. On the University of Maryland campus, if she feels the need, she is able to smoke in most areas outdoors. This is a privilege that other schools are making harder for students to appreciate.
Universities such as the University of Kentucky and Florida International University have already banned smoking from their campuses. The possibility of the University of Maryland taking the same action is still a possibility. However, some students feel it is an action they should not be allowed to take.
“If smoking bothers people, then they should just move,” Kim said. “They shouldn’t have the right to take away a person’s smoking privileges.”
The most pressing issue concerning smoking is the second hand smoke, a known health hazard. Other students feel that it is not the responsibility of the bystander, but of the smoker, to remove themselves from the situation.
“Second hand smoke is a hazard to other people,” junior nutritional science major Lauren Biagotti said. “They should have designated smoking areas for them to keep away from people who don’t want to be near the smoke.”
Besides the second hand smoke, there is also the issue of littering. Cigarette butts on the ground have become a concern for some students as well. Cigarette receptacles are set up in certain areas of the campus to prevent littering from spreading excessively.
“I see a lot of people throwing their butts on the ground,” said junior biology major Peter Garner. “I mean, I do the same. I think it would be more helpful if they put out more cigarette receptacles. They have a few, but it’s not enough.”
In 2010, the University Senate debated over whether or not to implement a smoking ban after an undergraduate student had concerns about the second hand smoke on-campus. They decided that instead of a ban, the university would place restrictions on where smoking would be allowed. It began with a 15 feet radius from all campus buildings. In September 2011, the University Senate voted to extend the radius to 25 feet.
While smaller campuses in the area have opted for smoke free, such as Montgomery College and Howard Community College, the decision to enforce the ban on a larger campus was too difficult.
“There are so many people on campus,” Biagotti said. “It would be hard to ban something that is legal out in the real world.”
However, having restrictions in place does not mean that they will be followed. The key to its success is to enforce the rules in order for an impact to be made. .
“I think we need to respect those people who don’t smoke,” sophomore biology major Joe Park said. “Smoking should be done in a private setting, away from others, instead of in a public place to help prevent second hand smoke.”
Smoking being so popular on-campus would force many students and faculty to make other smoking arrangements. “I would be upset if smoking was banned,” Kim said. “It wouldn’t be fair.”
Fair or not the university has already begun to take steps to control smoking, which very well could continue to become stricter.