NC State considers campus-wide smoking ban

Thursday, February 16, 2012

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nc state, local/state, steve dorsey

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Smoking on campus could soon be a thing of the past at N.C. State.

Student government leaders at the school have proposed a measure that would recommend banning all smoking on campus by 2014.

If student leaders pass the proposal, the measure would still need approval from the chancellor and the Board of Governors.

The move would make N.C. State the first university in the UNC system to go 100 percent smoke free.

There are already strict rules in place on campus as to where smokers can light up. Smoking indoors is strictly prohibited, as well as within 25 feet of university buildings.

Student leaders behind the proposition, feel the move would make the campus a healthier learning environment.

"When they smoke, they're not only causing bad health effects for themselves, but for those around them. It's not fair to those around them, and that's the main point we're trying to get across, N.C. State freshman and Student Senate member Josh Teder said.

Many other North Carolina colleges have already banned smoking, including William Peace University and High Point University.

The idea is facing opposition from some students who point out that the school even has a scholarship for students looking to pursue careers in the tobacco industry.

"I don't agree with that because I think it's definitely up to us if that's what we feel like that's what we need to do because our lives are very stressful," N.C. State senior Charles Russell said.

The student government will vote on the issue Feb. 29.