<p>I'm up in arms over a recent development at Auburn University - a smoking ban on campus. I guess I just wanted some other neutral opinions on it.</p>
<p>The wording on the ban is intentionally vague, and if ratified by the dean and president could mean that smoking would be prohibited literally everywhere on campus. The exact wording is "Within 10 feet of all buildings, and on all concourses and sidewalks".</p>
<p>One of the things that irks me is that this idea was hatched by the SGA, a small group of non-democratically elected officials from Greek organizations. I hate to sound snobbish, but I don't trust any Greeks with matters of any real importance... at least the Greeks around here (technically, I'm Sigma-Pi-Sigma, but that doesn't really count. lol)</p>
<p>Does it seem right to you guys that they can just alienate and trivialize an entire segment of the student body like this? It seems to be to be a clear tyranny of the majority.</p>
<p>The smell of smoke and smokers is extremely unpleasant for non-smokers, and unhealthy as well. Smoking should definitely be prohibited near, around, or in buildings.</p>
<p>And while I think smoking is an incredibly stupid, disgusting, and downright moronic thing to do, banning it from "concourses and sidewalks" is certainly excessive. They should probably rethink that part of the ban.</p>
<p>Usually Student Government really can't do something like that. Our Student Government usually just makes "recommendations" about issues, but it is up to the administration to enforce them, so I would not be overly worried. Furthermore, it sounds like it would be rather difficult to enforce. </p>
<p>On another note that would never fly here, because of the tobacco money involved in the university.</p>
<p>We've got a similar rule here at VT but without the sidewalk part. I don't see anything wrong with it. Go find a field or something if you want to smoke. People walking to and from class shouldn't be subjected to that.</p>
<p>I hate walking into buildings through a cloud a smoke. I hope they pass that kind of ban here too. If you have to be smoking that cancerstick than don't do it near other people who don't want be smoking.</p>
<p>It does seem a little unfair to smokers, but not all smokers are polite about smoking. Some are rather rude about it and non-smokers don't like leaving a building only to enter a cloud of smoke. I have breathing problems as it is and I don't like the thought of being around smokers. Not to mention it leaves an awful smell.</p>
<p>Honestly, I would love that. People here tend to light up their cigs as SOON as they walk out of class. The thing is, they don't just stand and smoke- they take off across campus on the sidewalks with a cloud of smoke wafting behind them. We have one main "artery" on campus and so if you get stuck behind a smoker, you generally end up walking for 5 minutes inhaling a ton of 2nd hand smoke because there's no way around the person due to the load of people on the sidewalk. It's ridiculous and so rude, not to mention I am DEATHLY allergic to cigarette smoke and my throat automatically closes up. </p>
<p>Plus, it takes about 4 washings to get the smell of smoke out of my hair- even if it's only a few minutes.</p>
<p>You know what's fun? Walking through a bright fall day, taking a deep breath of fresh air-and then ending up hacking your lungs out because you stumbled into a cloud of smoke.
I object to the fact that I can't walk 5 feet without inhaling someone's disgusting second hand smoke. If the student government here made a decision like that I'd be overjoyed.</p>
<p>I'm sorry you're up in arms, but just for the record, that's actually a really normal policy. At my school, I think that the rule was actually 30ft (there were one or two designated smoking dorms, where residents could smoke in their rooms with the doors closed, and it was requested that they open their windows and put towels under their doors). </p>
<p>If someone wants to smoke, fine...not my issue. But in truth, I don't know how anyone who's grown up as part of my generation would be surprised by this policy or by the feeling of being alienated for smoking.</p>
<p>Anyway, good luck either deaing with or getting around this policy. The fact that it's normal doesn't make it any more pleasant for you personally, but I did want to let you know that "tyranny of the majority" includes a much larger majority than just Auburn's SGA.</p>
<p>That policy is stupid banning smoking while walking/on sidewalks? I hope it doesn't work out.</p>
<p>honestly, it's not that big a deal if people smoke outside, you people whining about smokers outside are full of it, grow up and if you don't like people smoking walk away from them, not everyone has to cater to you. I bet the pollutants in the air contribute more to health problems than 2nd hand smoke from people passing by you on the street.</p>
<p>In 1994 smoking was banned in almost all workplaces, including all restaurants, and in 1998 smoking was banned in bars. Additionally, California prohibits smoking within 20 feet of any door, window or air intake of any government building within the state, including buildings owned or occupied by any government entity, including public universities, or public buildings leased to private firms.</p>
<p>yea but you can still walk by on a sidewalk and smoke a cigarette. I agree with the ban on smoking in restaurants as it sucks for servers (although i'm borderline in bars because smoking and drinking go together like pees and carrots).</p>
<p>I'm in favor of a smoking room. But banning smoking in or near buildings. I shouldn't have to smell or put up with your second-hand smoke, as a nonsmoker.</p>
<p>I'm a student at Auburn, and honestly, I think it's fine. I'm not in support of a full ban, but that's not what this is. It's just trying to get people to be more conscious about their second-hand smoke affecting others. I mean, seriously, do you really HAVE to light up right in front of a doorway (ONLY exception: it's pouring down rain). I don't think we should completely ban smoking because hey, that's people choice what they want to do to their own bodies. But, in this case, limiting places where they can smoke gives non-smokers an opportunity to better avoid smoke.</p>
<p>Pretty good policy, it's incredibly annoying to walk behind a smoker and have you time your breaths so you don't inhale a cloud of smoke. I really have no sympathy for your "plight." If it was something that didn't go into the air and harm others, I wouldn't care. But it does.</p>
<p>And punkdude, nowhere I know of has a student body that has a majority of smokers... so who is catering to who?</p>
<p>i wish they would ban them on my campus...i despise cigarettes...both of my parents smoke and up until about 9th or 10th grade i reeked of smoke because of them...i hate it when you are walking behind someone who is smoking and a puff of smoke hits your face...other people should not be subject to your cigarette smoke...but hey why don't they ban farting on campus too</p>
<p>I think there should be designated smoking areas on campus that don't subject everyone to that terrible smell that sticks to clothes. I can't stand walking with or around people that smoke on the sidewalk, or in front of the buildings I am entering. I think there should be specific areas for smokers. Bad habit anyways. Maybe banning it on campus will encourage people to stop. I don't care that it is bad for people. I couldn't care less what other people do to themselves, but when the effects (inhaling second hand smoke; the smell) start to get in the way of others, then it is a problem. New Jersey is a better place since they banned cigarettes in public places. I can go into my local pool hall without having my head engulfed in a cloud of smoke. Banning it for an entire campus is a little extreme but at least they are supporting those who don't want to be subjected to the smoke.</p>
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don't like someone smoking? walk the other way
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<p>So smoking now trumps my need/access to class, my ROOM!!, or anywhere else?? They stand in front of the doors almost blocking it making you walk right through it! It's even worse when it rains because then they all huddle up against the doors.</p>