State University Of New York To Ban Smoking On All Campuses Starting In 2014
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – An unprecedented smoking ban on dozens of college campuses in New York State was announced Wednesday.
In other words, it's time for college kids to butt out!
That was the edict handed down by trustees of the State University of New York. Smoking any place on or near the 64 campuses will be banned starting in 2014, CBS 2's Marcia Kramer reported. The move is a companion to the no tobacco rule that goes into effect on 23 City University of New York campuses this fall.
"If you're outside, who's to say what you can do or not do? You know what I'm saying? I understand you may be on the campus, but you're not indoors," Hunter College student Ahmed Redwa said.
"I think it's a good idea. I don't smoke, so I like when people don't smoke. I don't want to breathe the bad air," John Jay College student Christina Rods said.
The SUNY decision has generated a lively debate on college campuses about whether the strict no smoking rules are good public health policy or too much nanny state imposition of rules.
"It's not fair, stressful environment. It's college. It's not good for you. I'm not condoning it, but smoke is smoke," John Jay College's David Agayed said.
"I don't smoke, so I don't mind it," another student added.
At John Jay College, a CUNY campus, they have already installed outdoor stanchions for putting out cigarette butts before you go inside.
Malaine Clarke, CUNY's director of health services, said banning smoking on state and city campuses is a wise move.
"In the long term it will be good for the community because of the fact that we will be reducing the cost on the health system," Clarke said.
When the programs are fully implemented more than 1 million students at city and state universities will have to find somewhere else to light up.
The bans are so stringent that SUNY and CUNY employees are banned from smoking in university-owned vehicles.
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