Examining tobacco bans

Despite smoke-free trends, officials don't see problem at SVSU

January 29, 2007 —

In light of the recent moves by Delta College and St. Mary's Hospital to ban tobacco use on their premises, SVSU officials have indicated they will not enact a similar ban.

President Eric R. Gilbertson stressed that there is little need for SVSU to create such a policy, as it would be too difficult for a school of SVSU's size to enforce.

Addressing complaints on a case-by-case basis, according to Gilbertson, seems to be the best method of dealing with the situation.

"I think it's always better to go at specific targets with specific approaches rather than sweeping approaches." Gilbertson said.

Gilbertson was careful, though, not to criticize the other institutions that have decided to ban tobacco from their premises, instead saying it simply is not the best course of action for the University.

"I'm not criticizing at all what Delta and St. Mary's did," Gilbertson said. "They have their own campus and their own facilities, and they have to approach this in a way best for them."

SVSU may still allow smoking on its campus, but Gilbertson made it clear he wants students who smoke to remain considerate to those walking through campus by adhering to the 25-foot distance rule.

"We always urge people who do smoke either by choice or by force of habit, to do so in ways that are courteous to those who voluntarily choose not too," Gilbertson said.

Gilbertson also said the University's choice to not ban smoking is by no means a sign of support for the habit. He made it clear that there are programs available for those who smoke and wish to quit and that he would like to see them pursue such avenues.

"I also don't want anything to be interpreted as being that we encourage smoking and don't want to do anything to help people...it is a strong, powerful addiction."

Despite the trend, Gilbertson says he sees no sign of SVSU making a similar move to Delta or St. Mary's. However, if smoking were to become a problem, action could certainly be taken.

"It hasn't really come up at an open forum, or in letters or e-mails," Gilbertson said. "We'd prefer to take a more targeted approach rather than a sweeping one. At this point that would be just too difficult...a policy you can't enforce, you're better off without."