Earlier this summer, State University of New York board of trustees voted to ban smoking at all of their 63 campuses in light of the documented hazards of secondhand smoke.
New York state has been phasing out smoking in public places for quite some time. This gradual change, much to the dismay of cigarette smokers, has many nonsmokers benefitting with cleaner air. The ban covers all campus grounds and the interiors of campus vehicles, including those belonging to students. Smoking in student dorms has been prohibited on SUNY campuses since 2007, and this decision evidences a logical progression of that rule.
The SUNY-wide ban is not scheduled to take effect until 2014. JCC cited many reasons for supporting the ban, naming the health of non-smokers and smokers alike as the No. 1 motivator. However, the college claims to understand the hardships of going cold turkey. As such, JCC will provide cessation treatment to faculty, staff and students.
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A SUNY-wide ban on smoking will take effect in 2014.
P-J photo by Nicholena Moon
"Understanding the addictive nature of tobacco use and that breaking that addiction is extremely difficult for many people, the college will make every reasonable effort to assist those employees and students who wish to stop smoking tobacco," reads the policy. Employees are required to accept this policy as a term and condition of employment.
The policy was approved by the board of trustees on Tuesday. Also approved by the board was the acquisition of a 1.77 acre rectangular lot adjacent to JCC's northern boundary. The lot is one of four pieces of land the board has been interested in. The expenses for the project are not expected to exceed $7,000. The lot's purpose and function is yet to be determined.
JCC's other construction projects are nearing completion. The third residence hall is close to being finished, and the new third floor of the arts and sciences building is in a similar state.