Proposed SUNY butt ban gets mixed local reviews

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June 16, 2012

Proposed SUNY butt ban gets mixed local reviews

By Mark Boshnack Staff Writer The Daily Star Sat Jun 16, 2012, 03:30 AM EDT

If a "Tobacco-Free SUNY" is approved by the state Legislature, spokesman at two area campuses said they are ready to comply.

But the responses of some smokers who would be affected were mixed.

If approved, the new policy could be in effect by late 2013, a state official said. The State University of New York Board of Trustees passed a resolution Tuesday banning the use of tobacco on grounds and facilities and in vehicles owned, leased or controlled by SUNY.

Current law and a policy adopted by the SUNY board Jan. 11, 2007, bans smoking on campuses in indoor areas, including residence halls, indoor areas and school vehicles.

State University College at Oneonta spokesman Hal Legg said in a statement that if the proposal is adopted, "our goal will be to bring the campus into compliance with compassion."

While it is hard to say the number of employees who would be directly affected, he said, "less than 7 percent of our students are everyday smokers, according to the most recent American College Health Association survey."

Regardless of the total numbers, "the college will focus on making the transition as comfortable" for everyone as possible. Its health educator has received American Cancer Society-sponsored training on some of the organizational aspects of going smoke-free.

"We're well-positioned to take the next steps," Legg said.

Although it's early in the discussion, "We're already talking about programming to educate students about any change in smoking policy, a campus-wide smoking-cessation campaign to help those who want to quit, and working with our Employee Assistance Program to see what other resources are available to support those who smoke."

Several people talked about the issue Thursday.

Chris MacCracken, a food service contractor from Davenport, said he doesn't smoke so, "it won't bother me." But with a 20-foot setback from buildings for people who want to smoke already in place, "it doesn't seem necessary."

If people want to continue in a restricted area, "it should be OK," he said.

Cassaundra Conant, who just completed her junior year, is from Norwich.

"I'm not a smoker and I don't like smelling it on campus," she said. "People who do smoke will be unhappy, but I would appreciate it."

Jill Reda, a junior from Queens, said she doesn't smoke but the 20-foot ban should be enough.

"I think it will cause protests because smokers do have rights," she said.

At the Oneonta Smoker's Choice on Chestnut Street, assistant manager Melinda Polk said she understands the ban in dorms and buildings, but smoking should be allowed in designated areas. If people are older 18, "they should be able to make their own decisions, as long as they are not infringing on the rights of others," she said.

State University College of Technology at Delhi spokeswoman Kim MacLeod said the college already has a task force in place to make Delhi a smoke-free campus. The buildings are smoke-free, and since spring there are nine gazebos that students and faculty who smoke are encouraged to use. The task force was set up because "we are committed to providing a healthy campus for everyone," she said.

It was looking to expand the effort and "we are fully supporting this next step. It goes along with our efforts to promote good health."

Calls for comment to the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill and to the SUNY Board of Trustees on Thursday were not returned.

"SUNY has a responsibility to promote the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors while they are on our campus, SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said in a media release. "I commend the Board for making the health of these groups a priority and I look forward to working with legislative leaders to develop a state law that will make SUNY 100 percent tobacco-free by the next of next year."