2008 Woodie Awards
Left Out in the Cold
Karl de Vries
Issue date: 12/9/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Oh, the sorrows of being a smoker; this week, Montclair State University announced their plans to ban smoking in all residence facilities, The Village and the Clove Road apartments included. This is more bad news for the bastard offspring of the Marlboro Man, who will once again be forced outside if they want to light up.
The University is citing possible health problems to non-smokers and claims that smoking damages room property over time, this making it a cost-cutting move as well. The dimished threat of an accidental fire is an additional bonus, as the hopeful elimination of smokers should prevent any careless activity. By implementing this policy, MSU joins a national trend - only two other colleges in the state of New Jersey (Kean and TCNJ) presently allow smoking in residence buildings.
With this mandate comes the threat of housing withdrawl to multiple offenders, which should prove convenient for a school desperately in need of more resident space. According the to the University, Resident Assistants are being instructed to strictly enforce this policy.
On the other hand, it's difficult to stop an addict from getting his fix; if people want to smoke in their room, then they'll find a way, through whatever means necessary. Just as MSU has a stern anti-alcohol/anti-marijuana policy, it's common knowledge that dedicated individuals will find a way. In that sense, this announcement comes as nothing more than a mere formality of school policy.
An additional benefit for the school is the possible reduction of marijuana use in dorm rooms. From now on the smell of any smoke will be incriminating. The rock will be kicked over; no longer could students say "it's just a cigarette."
Naturally, this is a decision that is sure to infuriate more than a few people. However, most students would agree that this is a wise course of action for MSU; the overwhelming population of this campus does not smoke, and it is the job of the University to cater to the will of the masses. And if they cannot fully eradicate smoking in the resident buildings, then this announcement, coupled with its harsh rebukes for dissenters, should work effectively in drastically reducing the presence of cigarette smoke in residence halls.
The University is citing possible health problems to non-smokers and claims that smoking damages room property over time, this making it a cost-cutting move as well. The dimished threat of an accidental fire is an additional bonus, as the hopeful elimination of smokers should prevent any careless activity. By implementing this policy, MSU joins a national trend - only two other colleges in the state of New Jersey (Kean and TCNJ) presently allow smoking in residence buildings.
With this mandate comes the threat of housing withdrawl to multiple offenders, which should prove convenient for a school desperately in need of more resident space. According the to the University, Resident Assistants are being instructed to strictly enforce this policy.
On the other hand, it's difficult to stop an addict from getting his fix; if people want to smoke in their room, then they'll find a way, through whatever means necessary. Just as MSU has a stern anti-alcohol/anti-marijuana policy, it's common knowledge that dedicated individuals will find a way. In that sense, this announcement comes as nothing more than a mere formality of school policy.
An additional benefit for the school is the possible reduction of marijuana use in dorm rooms. From now on the smell of any smoke will be incriminating. The rock will be kicked over; no longer could students say "it's just a cigarette."
Naturally, this is a decision that is sure to infuriate more than a few people. However, most students would agree that this is a wise course of action for MSU; the overwhelming population of this campus does not smoke, and it is the job of the University to cater to the will of the masses. And if they cannot fully eradicate smoking in the resident buildings, then this announcement, coupled with its harsh rebukes for dissenters, should work effectively in drastically reducing the presence of cigarette smoke in residence halls.