Enforcement of smoking rule is cloudy
On every door of every building on the Jackson Community College campus, a sign says no smoking is permitted within 25 feet of the building.
However, most nonsmoking students are forced to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to class. This is because most of the smokers stand only two feet from the door.
JCC's official policy on smoking says "all buildings operated by Jackson Community College are considered smoke-free." This policy is in compliance with the requirements under Michigan state law, P.A. 198 of 1986. The policy also says those students who smoke will have access to a protected smoking area.
If a protected smoking area exists at JCC, most students have yet to find it. (The bus stop in front of Whiting Hall appears to be the only approved option.) Because smoking students have no place to smoke that is protected from the elements, they must huddle near the doors, creating a smoke tunnel for nonsmokers.
An article in College Tobacco Newsletter quotes national studies that indicate 67 percent of college smokers have tried to quit at least once in the past year. Most of those students said their attempts were unsuccessful. Quitting smoking takes trial and error for most people, as well as will power.
There are several reasons a young adult will begin smoking, including stress, peer pressure and wanting to appear more mature. However, there are many more reasons to quit, such as lessening some serious health risks. The U.S. Surgeon General's report says that one year after quitting, the risk of heart disease and death by smoking is reduced by half. And once a smoker is 15 years out of the woods, the risk of heart disease is almost the same as a nonsmoker.
There are social perks, as well. Soon after quitting, your clothes, car and breath will begin to smell fresh again. And don't forget how much easier it will be to chat with a friend without a smoke cloud hovering between you.
Nonsmokers may be wondering what JCC's administration thinks about this issue. James Tallman, JCC's director of capital projects, said if administrators observe students breaking the "25 feet" rule, they inform them of the consequences of their actions: specifically, ridicule from other students and faculty.
That's the same as no consequence at all. The administration should take steps toward correcting the problem. Maybe if cigarette-butt receptacles were placed farther from the door, smokers might get the hint. Or if a truly protected smoking area existed, they wouldn't have to stand so close to the building.