Colby Lifestyle Opinion

Colby Institutes Smoking Ban

This from a post from President Bro Adams:

“Effective September 1, 2012, Colby will begin the transition to a tobacco-free campus, with full implementation expected by August 2013. The purpose of our tobacco-free policy is to reduce harm from tobacco use and secondhand smoke, provide an environment that encourages persons to be tobacco free, reduce health care costs, and promote a campus culture of wellness.”

An operative part of Adams’ statement is his intention to “reduce health care costs.” Despite his defenses, student smokers across campus are livid. It’s unlikely, though, that cigarettes will disappear from campus.

New York City has a smoking ban, if that’s indication of how effective the measure is. Considering the aftermath of Colby’s hard alcohol ban, you can expect that the smoking culture won’t die.

Many students are upset with the affront to individual rights, and President Adams has done little to assuage them. The campus-wide email oozed with condescension, particularly Bro’s suggestion that the school will help students (and professors presumably) quit. He writes, “we will make available a variety of educational resources through CIGNA, the Maine General Health Network, Healthy Maine Partnerships, the Maine Lung Association and others.”

Smoking (and personal liberty) advocates will be gathering on the school’s quad at one o’clock this coming Saturday for a “Smoke-In”.

Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/285754101508745/