ASU's smoking ban not only affects smokers, but users of all types of tobacco. Smokeless tobacco has also been banned, and this has brought on a mixed reaction from students. (Photo by Katie Dunphy)
A recently implemented tobacco ban has brought a mixed reaction from students —smokers and non-smokers alike.
On Aug. 1, the University put into action a campus-wide smoking ban. All forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco and methods of smokeless tobacco such as hookah are prohibited on all University-owned and leased property and structures.
ASU media relations director Sharon Keeler said the goal of the ban is to advance the health of students, staff and faculty.
"We want people to live a healthy life, and we want to try to encourage them to do so," she said. "It’s part of a larger effort.”
However, some students are concerned about what they see as ASU’s continued efforts to restrict what they can or cannot do on campus.
Criminal justice freshman Junior Alvarez said he thinks ASU may have gone a little too far.
“They should promote being healthy and not smoking, but they shouldn’t ban it because there are people who smoke, and it’s their choice," he said. "There should be a couple of areas where students can smoke while providing resources for those who want to quit.”
However, the University policy follows scientific studies that have proven that secondhand smoke is harmful, Keeler said.
"Basically, there is no ‘right to smoke’ under state or federal law, and the University can govern the use of its property," she said.
While ASU prohibits students from smoking on campus, the University understands that quitting is tough and wants to make it more of a community support system, Keeler said.
“What we’re using is what’s called a community enforcement approach, which other campuses have used that’s been very successful," she said.
Community members are encouraged to tell those they see smoking that ASU is tobacco-free and provide them links to resources to help them quit, Keeler said.
Criminal justice junior Alberto Bautista said he wouldn't approach someone if he saw them smoking on campus, but he has noticed a difference.
"You can tell the difference," Bautista said. "Less kids are smoking on campus; they're instead going off campus."
Economics junior Connor McFadden, who now walks off campus to smoke cigarettes, said he doesn't think smoking detracts from a learning environment.
"It's not really mind-altering; it's not like the smoke will really get anyone high or anything," McFadden said. "A lot of people smoke to relax and calm down."
Business freshman P.J. Davis said he agrees with the University’s position on the smoking zones.
“Considering it’s their own property, I think they have the right to ban smoking," Davis said. "It’s almost as if someone walked into your house and tried to light up and you would have no say."
The ban, which was begun by students, took a few years to come to fruition.
“Students involved in the health and wellness community in the University were the ones who kind of spearheaded it," Keeler said. "(They) got it moving forward in terms of gaining support among the students as well as support by the faculty senate and the staff counsel."
The students started a petition that gained more than 3,000 signatures and delivered it to the student government, she said.
This method of encouraging students who smoke to not light up on campus is one that McFadden thinks will be as effective as the University hopes.
"I think it will work to some degree, but I feel like people will still do it anyways," McFadden said. "It will deter some people."
ASU has set up resources for students who wish to quit tobacco, offering seminars and health coaches.
Reach the reporter stheodor@asu.edu or on Twitter @shanetheodore
