OSU Going Tobacco Free

Tuesday, August 28th 2007, 9:36 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma State University is asking students and faculty to put out their cigarettes, for good. The university announced Tuesday that starting next July, no one will be allowed to use any tobacco products on campus. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports the ban doesnâ€™t just mean there will be no more smoking on campus in Stillwater, it also means no chew, no dip, no tobacco of any kind.

Students lighting up between classes used to be commonplace, but it's already become a rarity in Stillwater. By next July, it will completely disappear from campus.

"Any amount of second-hand smoke is dangerous, and we want to protect the health of our employees and students," said Robin Purdie with the OSU Wellness Center.

After careful consideration, administrators have decided to ban all tobacco from all parts of campus after this school year. Smoking bans are nothing new at OSU, it's been prohibited in buildings and classrooms for years now, but when this ban goes into effect smokers will no longer be able to go outside and have a cigarette.

Understandably, the decision to ditch tobacco has generated a mixed reaction from students.

"For me, I don't like being around cigarette smoke, and I know a lot of people feel that way, so I think that it's a good idea," OSU sophomore Hayden Yeabower said.

"I do enjoy a cigarette in between classes; it helps me cope a little bit. It is a breath of fresh air to me," said OSU freshman Wade Calvert.

OSU officials say the ban is part of a movement to become the healthiest campus in America. They are also encouraging students to eat healthier, and take advantage of the school's fitness facilities.

"They are going to have a wonderful education, but if they don't take with them some of the principal concepts of taking care of themselves then we failed," said Purdie.

But some students worry the tobacco ban may have the opposite effect. One senior says it's not a good idea to tell college kids they can't do something.

"If you ban anything, anywhere it's just going to drive them more to do it,â€ OSU senior Bill Lacava said. â€œLook at underage drinking, people drink all the time underage because it's illegal."

OSU will become the first Big 12 school to go tobacco free, and the university admits that the ban will be difficult to enforce. The school will not be writing smokers any tickets, but hopes they respect the decision to go tobacco-free.

Watch the video: OSU Snuffs Out Tobacco Products On Campus

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8/28/2007 OSU To Go Tobacco Free