By Ciera Battleson
On April 7, Daytona State College students, administration, faculty, club members, athletes and student-government participants met with health-service personnel and members of the community to discuss the issue of smoking on campus grounds. The meeting members would be part of what is called the Tobacco Task Force.
The meeting was held as an open discussion addressing whether or not smoking on campus grounds should be allowed. The Department of Health currently funds Daytona State College and, in order to maintain those funds, the school is attempting to encourage more members of Daytona State and the surrounding area to promote a smoking ban on campus. Many issues were brought to attention such as designated smoking areas, student reactions and footage laws.
“We really want to try and make this a campus cleaner and healthier for the students and staff,” said Tobacco Task Force host and English professor Paulette Marek.
The suggestion of designated smoking areas on campus proved to be the most popular idea by students, according to a Fall survey. the survey was issued by medical personnel asking participants to rank which suggestion they would find most favorable out of creating a smoke-free campus, designated smoking areas or leaving the college alone. Ninety eight percent of students agreed with having a limited smoking area. Yet, as popular as designated areas may be to students, most administration disapproved due to construction costs.
After most members began ruling out smoking areas due to cost and maintenance problems, the alternative became a smoking ban for the entire campus. With many athletes, health personnel and staff being fully committed to the ban, it left little room for argument due to the absence of smokers at the meeting.
Marek said, “Before we can discuss a type of ban this large, we really want to hear some opinions and objections that smokers may have to these conditions. Making a one-sided decision isn’t fair.”
Marek and other school staff intend to have more Tobacco Task Force meetings and encourage all Daytona State students and faculty to participate in the meetings. Whether a smoker or a nonsmoker, all those interested in future tobacco policies should attend these Tobacco Task Force meetings. For those interested in more information and meeting times email Professor Paulette Marek at marekp@daytonastate.edu.