University now tobacco-free

Published

The University of ޻ֱ at Lafayette launched a “Breathe Easy” campaign in conjunction with the adoption of a policy that bans tobacco from its campuses.

The stricter policy went into effect Aug. 1, in accordance with a new state law that mandates that public universities become smoke-free.

“Previously, smoking was permitted outdoors at least 25 feet away from building entrances. Our new tobacco-free policy goes further. Besides removing secondhand smoke from our campuses, we want to support those who are trying to quit tobacco altogether,” said Joey Pons, associate director of Public Safety at UL Lafayette.

The “Breathe Easy” campaign ޻ֱs a UL Lafayette website that offers tips for giving up the use of tobacco products. The website also provides links to campus, state and national resources that students, faculty members and staff can use to help kick the tobacco habit.

A University tobacco-free working group proposed many components of the latest policy, including the use of e-cigarettes, after weighing comments from students, faculty members and staff and reviewing other universities’ policies.

UL Lafayette’s new policy allows e-cigarettes in most outdoor areas, but not indoors.

The University Council then reviewed the committee’s recommendations and approved the policy. It is composed of top-level University administrators.

Although the policy is intended to establish a tobacco-free campus, there are a few exceptions.

  • Smoking is permitted in personal vehicles parked in University lots or on public streets on campus, but not parked within University parking garages.
  • Use of tobacco is permitted at tailgating spaces outside athletic facilities during NCAA sports events.

Pons said the University will review the policy’s implementation and initial effectiveness by the spring 2015 semester. Changes in official health advisories can result in revisions to the policy at any time.

As of April, over 1,300 U.S. universities are smoke-free, according to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. Of those, 925 are tobacco-free and 167 prohibit the use of e-cigarettes on campus.

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