Is Kent State going to be tobacco-free as of next year?
It may not be happening tomorrow, but by July 1, 2017, Kent State University will be a tobacco free campus. Kent State is not the first school in the state to go tobacco-free. According to Kent Wired, 18 college campuses around Ohio already ban smoking.
Currently, KSU enforces a policy that says people who would like to smoke have to do so at least 20 feet away from the building they are in front of and are not allowed to smoke when using Kent-owned vehicles.
In Februrary, Undergraduate Student Government (USG) passed a Tobacco-Free Campus Resolution with support from President Beverly Warren. The resolution cannot be solely passed by USG, but their support made a huge difference.
“Warren also said that a Tobacco-Free Campus Resolution would be passed on to the Board of Trustees, who would be given extensive time to discuss the resolution before voting,” according to Kent Wired.
There are only five schools left in Ohio that do not prohibit smoking. These schools include Youngstown State University, The University of Akron, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College and Cuyahoga Community College.
What do Kent State students think about being a tobacco-free campus?
“I’m excited about the future of a tobacco-free campus because this impacts non-tobacco users just as much as tobacco users. I don’t like having second-hand smoke blown into my face as I’m walking to class so I’m glad this won’t negatively impact my health anymore. And as for the community of Kent State, I hope that this creates an opportunity for the community to become more aware of the health risks of using tobacco, and creates more opportunities to help those who do use tobacco to stop using it.” – Megan Hermensky, 20, junior public relations major
“I see both sides of the issue, but I personally believe that it will help Kent’s campus. We pride ourselves on being environmentally friendly and banning tobacco use is definitely a step in the right direction.” – Jessica Cook, 21, junior public health major
“Kent state should never become tobacco-free based on the fact that as young adults, we experiment with a lot and unfortunately tobacco is one of them. I’ve smoked my fair share of packs [of cigarettes], went cold turkey for a bit, but smoking has a social aspect of it. Sure the groups you see smoking cigarettes at picnic tables near the dorms are destroying their lungs, but they’re having fun with their friends.” – Eric Conway, 21, senior public relations major
“While I think it is the absolute right of every individual to determine what chemicals go into their body, it is not their right to determine which chemicals enter the bodies of those around them…Students may have diseases, disabilities and other ailments that make ingesting those chemicals extremely dangerous, and so having them off of Kent’s campus could really benefit the entire health system of KSU.” – Mara Schoch, 20, theatre performance major
Wednesday, March 16, Kent State will take a “1DayStand” against tobacco. Students are encouraged to avoid smoking on campus, stop smoking for good and help other students down a healthier path. This day is intended to show students the benefits of a tobacco-free campus and raise awareness for the issue. Will you take a stand? Tweet us @hckentstate and tell us how you’re supporting #1DayStandKSU!