Photo illustration by D. Brown
Caleb Thorton
Advertising and Distribution Editor
On Aug. 1, 2013, the Butler Board of Trustees enacted a non-smoking policy on campus grounds, including classrooms and dorms. According to Butler’s website, this school policy passed to advocate health and reduce fire hazard risks.
According to Chief Tim Bryan, the policy is enforced and $35 citations may be issued to those violating the policy. Although the policy is, in fact, imposed, Chief Bryan states the police officers will not bust balls just to give out a ticket if the student or person is unaware of the rule.
“At the start of the semester, a lot of students say ‘I didn’t know [that was a policy],’ and I believe them,” Bryan said. “Typically all semester we write eight or 10 tickets.”
According to sophomore and criminal psychology major Lyndsey Jones, this policy keeps her from smoking out in the open on campus, although she sometimes smokes in her vehicle in parking lots.
“I agree with it being prohibited directly on campus because you have some kids who aren’t of age and it would be a bad influence, but at the same time, we are adults [and it should be] allowed in parking lots,” Jones said.
According to Chief Bryan, the campus is a 100 percent tobacco-free campus.
“I would like it to change,” Jones said. “Just maybe thinking about having a specific spot so if they want one, they have that choice. I think it’s ridiculous we have to walk off campus to have one.”
The policy includes anything in the form of tobacco such as cigar, cigarettes or chewing tobacco. The policy states, “Smoking is defined as the lighting, burning, or use of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking device or equipment.”
“The policy was actually modified to include the vape and e-cigs, so even though they are tobacco based, they are included [in the policy],” Chief Bryan said.
Although the campus completely prohibits the use of tobacco, in or out of a personal vehicle, Bryan states he will not usually give someone a citation for smoking in their personal vehicle, but would more typically talk to them about the policy and health effects of tobacco use.
“I think it’s for the best, because I don’t like being around smoke,” sophomore liberal arts major Maddie Cannon said. “It’s basically like allergies to me.”
Cannon is a nonsmoker.
Even though students, faculty and visitors are not permitted to smoke on school grounds, it is not against the college’s regulations to possess the tobacco products as long as they are not in use.