MU Smokers Speak out Against Possible Smoking Ban

By: Tricia Mickens

Many students at the University of Missouri are striving for a healthy campus. PASS (Peers Against Second-hand Smoke), a student organization on campus is working to create either designated smoking areas or eliminate it on campus altogether. Some students are for the smoking ban on campus to protect from second-hand smoke. Regulating smoking on campus sounds like a way to make it a healthy environment. However, several students like Miranda Davis feel as if they are disregarding her lifestyle. She lives in Johnston residence hall and on campus is the only place she can smoke. Since most freshmen are required to live on campus there are no other options for smokers.

“As smoker I disagree with a ban because smokers have rights as well. It’s inconsiderate especially since I live on campus.”

PASS is considering placing designated areas instead of banning smoking on campus. It would require smokers to smoke at least 20 feet from doorways. University of Missouri’s smoking stations and ashtrays are less than less than 5 feet away from doors exposing more students to second hand smoke. MU student and smoker Paul Williams tries to keep others from being around smoke.

However, “you see a smoking station right by a no smoking sign and those stations are where most people walk through to go to class.”

Although several MU students are smokers most agree to the designated areas.

“The campus should go further in making it easier for smokers and nonsmokers by having these designated areas in a place where both parties can be happy because although I smoke I don’t want to put my health choice on someone else. I want them to make their own decision.”

Davis said implementing a smoking policy would definitely enhance MU’s outlook on health and second hand smoke safety.