Students banned from smoking on Eastem's campus

by Chris Nielsen staff writer

At Eastern College, smoking cigarettes is one right the students do not have. However, it was not the administration that created this rule, it was the students.

Smoking cigarettes is one of the most unique and controversial rights that we have as American adults. Despite incontrovertible evidence that it endangers the health of smokers and non-smokers alike, it is still a pleasure treasured by many. The smoking industry is one of the most rich and powerful industries in this country.

Seven years ago, the retired surgeon general C. Everett Koop gave a presentation at Eastern College. Among other topics, Koop centered on the adverse side effects of cigarette smoking. He declared it one of his goals to end tobacco use by the year 2000.

Koop made such a strong impression on the college that within days, the student government presented a case to ban smoking on Eastern's campus. The general feeling in the residence halls was one of concern over second hand smoke and the mess from cigarettes.

After reviewing their case, Dr. Theodore Chamberlain, vice president for student development at Eastern College, decided to listen to the students request.

Whereas previously, smoking was restricted to certain areas on the campus, smoking was, and still is, banned from Eastern College.

Recently, this has again become a hot topic. Some Eastern students have taken to smoking around the perimeters of the campus, including on neighbor's lawns. Therefore, it became necessary to expand the school's area of jurisdiction in order to not impose student smoking onto neighbors.

Student reaction to this change has been generally supportive. Sociological issues play a role in the students acceptance of the smoking rules, according to Chamberlain. He estimates that only five to 10 percent of the students attending Eastern College are active smokers.

The students do not unanimously support the ban, however.

"It is unrealistic." Senior Kathy Cintron said, "College is supposed to prepare us for the real world, and in the real world people smoke."

Another interesting factor is in the students compliance with the rule. When asked about the penalty for students caught smoking, Chamberlain was without an immediate answer, because so few students have ever been caught.

Chamberlain eventually responded that the first time a student was caught, they would receive a warning. The school has never had to fine a student for smoking.

Due to continued student support, this does not seem to be a law that will change anytime soon.

As Heather Darby, a senior, said, ''The rule doesn't bother me, and I don't like the smell, anyway."

This rule won't be instated at Cabrini anytime soon. Emma Legge, director of student activities, said that "If malls and restaurants can ban smoking, then I guess we could, too. But it would be unpopular with the students."

For the time being, McManus and Casey House and sections of Xavier Hall and Woodcrest, are smoke free. So are all the class and administration buildings. There are no plans to further ban smoking on campus.