BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 30, 2016
- As of April 4, 2016, there were at least 1,483 100% smoke-free college campuses in the United States according to the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. Of these, 1,137 are 100% tobacco-free, and 823 prohibit the use of e-cigarettes anywhere on campus. Medaille College will be added to that number, declaring its freedom from secondhand smoke, poisonous litter and possible fires this July 4, 2016.
"As an academic institution, we have an obligation to model positive behaviors, as well as set a positive example for our community, said Dr. Kenneth Macur, President of Medaille College. "Having a smoke-free policy at Medaille is a step in the right direction towards a healthier campus for students, faculty, staff and the general public.
Dr. Macur continued, "Many people are asking about the enforcement of this. The good news is that it seems to me that, after a "soft launch" on January 1st, we are almost there already. RAs and RDs will manage the ban in the residence halls. For the rest of the campus, however, there is no enforcement committee or official office responsible for enforcement. It starts with each person honoring the policy and respecting the desire for all of us to have a smoke-free environment."
Medaille has been planning and preparing for this policy change for 3 years. Students and faculty have shown great support and involvement in this transition. Signs will be posted and smoker's poles taken away this 4th of July.
Tobacco free college campuses are another important step towards denormalizing tobacco use. Students who enter college today have grown up with fewer places to smoke and less exposure to secondhand smoke. This generation will enter workplaces where smoking is not allowed indoors and most likely outdoors as well. "Tobacco free environments are becoming more and more expected and respected by the community. Just as we transitioned to clean indoor air policy almost 20 years ago we are now finding increased demand for tobacco free parks, worksites, sporting events, public settings and college campuses. Clean outdoor air policies positively impact community health for generations to come. Congratulations to Medaille College for being a part of this movement" said Jenna Brinkworth, Community Engagement Coordinator at Tobacco-Free Erie-Niagara.
To learn more about how to develop a smoke-free policy at your campus or workplace, contact Jenna Brinkworth
[email protected]
or (716) 875-1615. Or, visit tobhaccofreewny.com.
L to R: Anthony Billoni, Director of Tobacco-Free Western New York; Dr. Kenneth M. Macur, President of Medaille College; Lisa Marsherall, Director of the Communications Program at Medaille College; and Jenna Brinkworth, Community Engagement Coordinator at Tobacco-Free Erie-Niagara.
