The number of locations that permit smoking has dwindled, and the university could be added to this number.

However, this may not please some faculty and students.

Some campuses such as the University of North Texas have designated smoking areas.

According to the UNT smoking policy, smoking areas will be designated throughout the campus and, in respect for others, those who smoke are encouraged to use those areas designated for this purpose to smoke and to only use the provided cigarette urns to dispose of their used cigarettes.

The same is true of the University of Texas at Austin. According to its smoking policy, smoking is permitted outside university facilities, provided that these areas are located far enough away from doorways, windows and ventilation systems to prevent smoke from entering buildings and facilities.

Many students say they are firmly in favor of designated smoking areas, and smokers should be able to adapt to that.

“I am not a smoker, but I think of myself as someone that is able to accommodate those people that choose to smoke,” Toni Ramos, administrative assistant for the TCU Department of Nutritional Sciences said. “I am not sure if smoking is conducive to the overall mission of the university.”

Ramos said allotting designated areas for smoking would be a step forward.

“My personal opinion is that making something like smoking illegal on campus is counterproductive,” Ramos said. “I think people are going to do what they want regardless of whether smoking is prohibited.”

People are individuals. We typically express ourselves in ways which may not fit with what the excepted norms are. I believe having a set of rules which maintains society’s standards and yet doesn’t infringe upon individuals can only be seen as a good thing.

“I think there should be designated areas for people to smoke,” Jackie Cravello, a freshman political science major, said. “Designated areas would enable people that want to smoke to do so. These areas would also allow people that don’t want to be part of it to avoid it.”
Ideally, Cravello would want to see smoking banned.

“I would approve of a blanket ban on smoking,” Cravello, said. “I don’t approve of smoking. I don’t smoke. I feel it would be better for everyone’s health if smoking wasn’t allowed on campus.”

Smoking has the potential to do serious harm to your health. This in itself is not news. There has been data available to support this fact for decades.

I can see what Cravello is saying. It looks like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) agrees with Cravello.

According to the CDC website, an estimated 45.3 million people, or 19.3 percent of all adults aged 18 years or older in the United States smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

These are startling figures which should shock anyone.

However, I feel people should determine for themselves whether or not they light up.
I used to smoke. I smoked French cigars for several years and the only reason I stopped is because I was unable to find the brand I smoked in the United States. If I were able to get what I smoked in the U.K. here in the U.S., I would probably still be smoking.

We should be able to choose for ourselves whether or not we smoke.

“Freedom is essential,” Juan Sola-Corbacho, an adjunct history professor said. “The individual must decide what to do or not to do.”

“People should be able to smoke outdoors if they choose to,” Sola-Corbacho said.
The way ahead for the university is clear. The future for university smokers may reside in designated smoking areas. This is a solution most people should be able to live with.
Smoking is a stress reliever for many people. I used to be one of those people. I support the individual’s right to be able to smoke on campus. If I could afford it, I probably still would be.

Shain E. Thomas is a senior film-television-digital media major from Scotland.