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Smoking Ban Initiative Snuffed Out
by Sable Adams
No more "if's" or "and's" - just butts
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One vote made the difference as the Student Government Association turned down a proposal to establish a smoke-free campus, 10 to 9. One person abstained.
The vote, held during a regular SGA meeting April 10, ends the discussion for this school year, but it can be brought up again next year.
The issue of a smoke-free campus was discussed at two open forums where students were asked to voice their opinions.
A smoke-free survey was distributed in March, and 185 students responded. Of those students, 70 percent said they would support a smoke-free campus, and more than 81 percent said that they wouldn't mind having designated areas for smokers. However, speakers at the second of the two forums didn't support a smoke-free campus, and others opposed to the idea began to come forward.
Freshman Jessica Fish said, "I think people who smoke should have the right to smoke on campus as long as they are away from the entrance of the buildings."
On the flip side, Trini Fares, Student Body Secretary, said, "There are many people who feel that having a smoke free campus would benefit all because it reduces the chances of cancer, of people getting sick who are allergic, and it is all around better for the environment… I feel another big issue many students are facing is that they don't like to see their beautiful campus surroundings infested with cigarette butts."
Fares said the smoke-free campus issue has been "a struggling battle for many. There are many people who feel that if Mars Hill becomes a smoke-free school, then they will loose their freedom and privilege of something they feel attached to…
"This process takes time, and we first need to start with designated smoking areas. After that, then hopefully we will be able to cut out designated areas all together and become a smoke free campus."
As the year dwindles down SGA has no regular meeting scheduled for April 17. There is only a committee meeting. Although the issue of a smoke-free campus is dead for this semester, it can always be raised by a simple motion in SGA.
Dean Craig Goforth said, "I am always concerned with individual rights, so the act of limiting where a person can smoke requires a great deal of thought. However, students who wish to not smell the smoke or walk through a cloud of smoke also have that right. My biggest concern is the cigarette butts that are thrown down all over campus as if the campus is a large ashtray."
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