Possible Smoking Ban At Troy University

From the CBS 8 Troy Newsroom-- Troy University is considering making a big change on its campuses by possibly banning all tobacco. That's not just Astra cigarettes, but smokeless tobacco products too. The Board of Trustees could vote on the ban tomorrow that would affect students in Troy, Montgomery, Phoenix City and Dothan.

University officials tell CBS 8 they are proposing the no tobacco rule, because they care about their students and faculty's health. While some students say they support a tobacco free campus, others say it's unreasonable.

Troy University student John Davis admits to his bad habit.

"When I smoke, I do it like when I'm by myself, or maybe with a couple other people that do," says Davis.

The university is proposing a rule that will ban smoking and smokeless tobacco use on campus at its Board of Trustees meeting on Friday.
Davis says the ban violates his rights.

"It's kind of dumb. Like, we have rights and everything. It's our right if we want to, so trying to make a law where we can't, bothers me," says Davis.

University officials say if the tobacco ban passes, they will help students and faculty kick the habit.

"We are going to do this in a way that I think people will accept it, and for those who do quit smoking, I think they will look back and really appreciate the action," says Senior Vice Chancellor of Student Services John Dew.

Some students say they want the tobacco ban to pass, because smoking on campus is a nuisance.
Others say they like the direction the university is heading, but a ban may be extreme.

"Probably a good heath initiative for the campus. However, people who do smoke and use smokeless tobacco need a place where they can go to use it," says student Kelli Vickers.

"I think the people who smoke know the risks that go with it. I think designated areas would help keep those who don't want it around them," says student Amanda Graham.

University officials say the board will make a decision at the meeting, and if it passes, the university will give a year for students and faculty to adjust to the new rule.

University officials say they wouldn't the first in the country to do this. They say they got the idea for a tobacco free campus from the University of Kentucky, which is in one of the country's top tobacco-producing states.