The Debate Over Smoking on College Campuses in East Tennessee

As a public health and tobacco control expert, I have extensively studied the smoking policies on college campuses in East Tennessee. The issue of smoking on college campuses has sparked heated debates, with arguments on both sides. In this article, I will provide an overview of the current smoking policies in East Tennessee and discuss the implications for college students and the community.

The Current State of Smoking Policies in East Tennessee

East Tennessee is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Tennessee, East Tennessee State University, and Pellissippi State Community College. Each institution has its own set of smoking policies, but they all fall under the state's Clean Indoor Air Act.

This act prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places and places of employment, including college campuses. However, there is a loophole in the law that allows for designated smoking areas on college campuses. This means that while smoking is not allowed inside buildings or within a certain distance from building entrances, there may be designated outdoor areas where smoking is permitted. Currently, only a few colleges in East Tennessee have designated smoking areas. The University of Tennessee allows smoking in designated outdoor areas that are at least 25 feet away from buildings. Pellissippi State Community College also has designated smoking areas on their campus.

The Debate: Designated Smoking Areas vs.

Smoke-Free Campuses

The debate over designated smoking areas on college campuses is not unique to East Tennessee. It is a nationwide issue that has been ongoing for years. On one side, there are those who argue that designated smoking areas provide a compromise between smokers' rights and non-smokers' health concerns. They believe that banning smoking altogether would be too extreme and that designated areas allow for a balance. On the other side, there are those who advocate for completely smoke-free campuses.

They argue that designated smoking areas still expose non-smokers to secondhand smoke and do not fully protect the health of students and staff. They also believe that designated areas may give the impression that smoking is acceptable, which could lead to an increase in smoking rates among college students. While both sides have valid arguments, as an expert in public health, I believe that smoke-free campuses are the best option. The harmful effects of secondhand smoke are well-documented, and it is unfair to expose non-smokers to these risks. Additionally, college campuses should be promoting healthy behaviors and setting a good example for students.

The Impact on College Students and the Community

The smoking policies on college campuses in East Tennessee have a significant impact on both students and the community.

For students who smoke, designated smoking areas may provide a sense of relief and allow them to continue their habit without fear of punishment. However, for non-smoking students, designated areas may be a source of frustration and discomfort. Furthermore, designated smoking areas may also have an impact on the surrounding community. Secondhand smoke can travel beyond designated areas, affecting nearby residents and businesses. This can lead to complaints and tensions between the college and the community.

The Need for Stronger Smoking Policies

While some colleges in East Tennessee have taken steps towards creating designated smoking areas, there is still a need for stronger smoking policies.

As mentioned earlier, the Clean Indoor Air Act allows for designated smoking areas, but it does not require them. This means that colleges can choose to be completely smoke-free if they wish. I believe that all colleges in East Tennessee should follow the lead of institutions like Maryville College and Carson-Newman University, which have implemented smoke-free policies. These policies not only protect the health of students and staff but also promote a healthier campus environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current state of smoking policies in East Tennessee is a mixed bag. While some colleges have designated smoking areas, others have chosen to be completely smoke-free.

As an expert in public health, I believe that smoke-free campuses are the best option for promoting a healthy environment for all students and staff. It is my hope that more colleges in East Tennessee will follow suit and implement stronger smoking policies in the future.