Smoke free campus one step closer to fruition
Ben Allen
Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: News
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The new proposition does not automatically ban smoking on campus, but the organization will begin to lobby the university administration for a ban. The bill passed with eight in favor and only one against, with three members abstaining from the vote.
SGA members Jamon Blood, representing education majors, and Kendra Key, representing liberal arts majors, discussed the proposition with fellow students and said that most students were indifferent about the ban.
Some smokers protested saying that it is their right to smoke and that right should not be infringed, said Key.
"Smoking is not a right," said President John Kay. "Period."
Although SGA's stance only affects tobacco in the form of cigarettes at this point, some SGA members and Timothy Winter, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, hope to eventually fight against all forms of tobacco on campus, according to SGA Secretary Terezla Montgomery.
Vice President Deanna Candler said that she hopes the new potential ban will allow LSUS Police to respond to infractions more easily.
"They can't tell from the parking lot if you're smoking 25 feet from the door," said Candler. "If they see you smoking from the parking lot, they could tell obviously you're in the wrong."
Until the SGA can take action and promote the ban, Representative Key proposed a bill to adjust the outdoor seating around campus to provide benches for non-smokers. Benches will be rearranged so that some are placed in the 25 foot non-smoking zone. The bill passed with seven yeas, four nays, and one abstaining from the vote.
New senators were also approved by the SGA Monday. The organization approved John Mazur, junior, accounting and Matt Arundel, junior, history, as SGA members. Both expressed desire to be involved in campus policies and activities.
The SGA also discussed the start of this year's election for officers. Intent to run forms will be available in the University Center and are due Wednesday. Offices from Senators at Large to the President are available for election. Campaigning will begin March 15, and elections will begin April 5, said Kay. The newly elected officers will assume office on April 19.
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