2008 Woodie Awards
UA tobacco policy lacks enforcement
Bailey McBride
Issue date: 8/21/08 Section: News
Students will remain largely unaffected by the UA's new tobacco-free policy due to its lack of enforcement. As of July 1, 2008, the University is entirely tobacco-free; meaning no tobacco product of any variety can be used on campus. This policy applies to students, faculty, visitors and staff. The background of the policy cites and is based upon a Center for Disease Control study from 2003 stating that one in five Americans die every year as a result of sicknesses caused by smoking. The ban also states, "It is the policy of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville to promote the health, well being and safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus."
Unfortunately, the "Compliance" section of the policy states only that students are "empowered to respectfully inform others about the policy." There is no enforcement or punishment for not complying written into the policy.
When asked about the reason for passing a tobacco ban without enforcement, Mary Alice Serafini, director of the Pat Walker Health Center has explained that it is a model for other schools and a step in the right direction for the UA.
Students on campus have a different outlook on the policy, however. Sophomore Charlie Cunningham called the policy a joke, arguing that although some people may be scared and not smoke at first, the policy will really be ineffectual in the long run due to the fact that no one will be punished for not obeying it.
Senior Sean Richards shares Cunningham's sentiments regarding the policy's ineffectuality.
"I don't feel my life will be affected really. I don't think it will do any good for the campus, and I think it's an infringement on personal rights," he said.
This concept of infringement on student's rights has been a huge controversy since the intention to put the ban into action was announced last year. Many students feel a vote should have been presented to the student body at large before a policy regulating personal habits was passed.
Residents Inter-hall Congress held two town hall meetings to let students voice their opinions and learn more about the policy. The University debate team also held an open debate at the Greek Theatre where students were encouraged to voice their opinions.
Both meetings seemed to have an overwhelming feeling of disagreement and concern about the policy coming from the students. But administrators still insisted on passing the policy. This leads to the next obvious question for most students, what next?
According to Richards, "you see way more obese students on campus than smokers. But if the University banned soda or candy everyone would make a huge fuss."
However, students will remain subject to the tobacco-free policy on the University Main, Research and Technology, and Continuing Education Campuses.
For more information go to the Web site at www.vcfa.uark.edu/documents/7240.pdf.
Unfortunately, the "Compliance" section of the policy states only that students are "empowered to respectfully inform others about the policy." There is no enforcement or punishment for not complying written into the policy.
When asked about the reason for passing a tobacco ban without enforcement, Mary Alice Serafini, director of the Pat Walker Health Center has explained that it is a model for other schools and a step in the right direction for the UA.
Students on campus have a different outlook on the policy, however. Sophomore Charlie Cunningham called the policy a joke, arguing that although some people may be scared and not smoke at first, the policy will really be ineffectual in the long run due to the fact that no one will be punished for not obeying it.
Senior Sean Richards shares Cunningham's sentiments regarding the policy's ineffectuality.
"I don't feel my life will be affected really. I don't think it will do any good for the campus, and I think it's an infringement on personal rights," he said.
This concept of infringement on student's rights has been a huge controversy since the intention to put the ban into action was announced last year. Many students feel a vote should have been presented to the student body at large before a policy regulating personal habits was passed.
Residents Inter-hall Congress held two town hall meetings to let students voice their opinions and learn more about the policy. The University debate team also held an open debate at the Greek Theatre where students were encouraged to voice their opinions.
Both meetings seemed to have an overwhelming feeling of disagreement and concern about the policy coming from the students. But administrators still insisted on passing the policy. This leads to the next obvious question for most students, what next?
According to Richards, "you see way more obese students on campus than smokers. But if the University banned soda or candy everyone would make a huge fuss."
However, students will remain subject to the tobacco-free policy on the University Main, Research and Technology, and Continuing Education Campuses.
For more information go to the Web site at www.vcfa.uark.edu/documents/7240.pdf.
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