Notice anything different about the academic side of campus this semester? Other than the usual pesky Hofstra cats and the budding plants near the quad, the South side of campus is no 100% smoke free.
As of Monday, January 28th, all of Hofstra’s nicotine addicts were mourning the loss of their South campus real estate as ashtray stations were removed and “no smoking” signs were erected.
Hofstra’s previous policy of no smoking within twenty feet of an academic building was revised to the zero tolerance rule last fall semester when the school’s University Senate voted on the issue.
New York State Health Department reported that in 2009 that 18% of New York residents ages 18 and were are smokers. The New York State Tobacco Control Program hopes to curb the unhealthy habit with their initiative called “Leading the Way Toward A Tobacco-Free Society”. The department has been using aggressive ad campaigns since 2010 and reduced funding to provide what they describe as “smoking accommodations”.
Judging from Hofstra’s recent actions similar to the state department’s moves, it seems they mean business.
What do Hofstra collegiettes think of this new policy? Do you have asthma and welcome the absence of second hand smoke on your way to class? Or are you a scorned smoker frustrated you can no longer get your fix? Let me know in the comments below.