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Proposal:
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Presently, according to the University of Maryland Smoking Policy and Guideline, smoking is prohibited within 15ft of campus buildings due to the realization that a significant percentage of faculty, staff and students do not smoke and that smoke is offensive to many non-smokers, it is harmful and even debilitating to some individuals due to their physical condition, and there is evidence suggesting that passive smoke inhalation is harmful to non-smokers. This rule, however, is not enforced. Faculty, staff, and students, therefore, are forced to walk through hazardous clouds of smoke. Due to the known dangers associated with secondhand smoke, it is unreasonable to force the campus community's non-smokers to be subjected to this unsafe environment.
A system must be developed that will prevent non-smokers from being subjected to hazardous secondhand smoke. Designated smoking areas throughout the campus would still permit smokers to satisfy their needs, but will respect the wishes and rights of non-smokers to have clean air around them. Large signage throughout the campus is crucial in order to increase awareness. It is also imperative that the Resident Assistants and Campus Police understand the importance of enforcing this regulation. |
