Sven Alskog
News Editor
Back in September 2012 Idaho State University declared its campus a smoke-free zone, banning smoking in all areas on university property. Now in 2014, the institution has put forward a draft in the ISU Policies and Procedures (ISUPP) falling in line with the smoke free campus policy.
The introduction to the draft states the reasoning behind ISU’s decision to ban smoking on its campus.
“Idaho State University is committed to promoting a healthy and safe environment for students, staff and visitors. The policy is intended to reduce the health risks related to smoking and secondhand smoke for the campus community. Smoke and tobacco-free policies are becoming a national standard in order to foster a healthy environment in all communities,” reads the introduction.
Policy #9010 as it is listed on the draft began its 30 day comment period at the beginning of September. That comment period will end Oct. 6, 2014.
During this period, individuals associated with ISU can have their voice heard by emailing ude.usinull@seicilop and providing their name, organization and department, while also stating their take on the draft.
The new ISUPP draft proposal is being put forward by ISU Public Safety Director Stephen Chatterton.
The sponsoring organization is the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Terrell stated in an email response that the policy is not new and there are not any significant changes in it but rather the purpose was to get it into the ISUPP format and make grammatical changes.
When the smoking ban was originally brought to campus 60.7 percent of 314 survey responses supported the decision to go smoke free.
On the other hand, those against the change argue that smokers are of legal age and that it is legal in other areas throughout Pocatello and the rest of the country.
“I think it’s stupid that we can’t [smoke],” said freshman Taylor Fair, originally from Boise, Idaho. “We are 18 and they can’t restrict us from doing anything on campus. Fining us will only make us rebel more, and the campus is big enough. It’s not bothering anyone.”
Currently smoking is prohibited on all property owned, leased or operated by ISU, not including city sidewalks and streets.
Policy #9010 states that, “all individuals observed smoking on the campus will be informed and asked to stop.”
Further, after a written violation and warning for the first offense, repeat offenders will be fined $35, while a third violation brings a $100 fine.
The policy also restricts e-cigarettes.
Discussion has come up regarding whether ISU should allow designated smoking areas on campus to cater to the smoking demographic that exists.
“I think that [designated smoking areas] would be a good compromise for ISU’s smoking dilemmas,” said Jaclyn Figg, a sophomore.
“90 percent of the students don’t smoke on campus but there is that 10% that are going to do it no matter what,” she added.
ISU Public Safety will continue to be tasked with enforcement of the smoking ban around all parts of campus.
