TOBACC-OH?

Image credit: nycva.org

Smoking in public areas has become a serious problem for smokers and non-smokers in California. Is sharing the same smoke a deal or deal breaker?

”It’s time to finally put the harm of smoking where it belongs — on smokers, smoking in public spaces ought to be punishable by a fine at least equivalent to that for littering,” The NY daily news said.

So how might one regulate the smoking on public school premises? It’s quite simple, just fine individuals. Students attending De Anza College in Cupertino, Calif. are  part of a smoke-free community college, which has designated smoking areas throughout its campus. 

Majority thinks that this would be the solution to this problem, but in fact De Anza students aren’t very pleased with the idea of being fined and is seen as an even bigger problem.

De Anza College, occupies approximately 22,000 active students each year. With this many individuals attending one campus, policies towards regulating the use of tobacco on school premises are “very exigent,” says 20-year-old,  philosophy major, Natalie Johnson. 

The article states that the dangers of second-hand smoke are much more serious than people think. Those who oppose believe that if skydiving and motorcycling are just as life-threatening why is that OK with the rest of society, but second hand smoke isn't?  

"I'm not saying I'm gonna go ahead and smoke my cigarette where ever I want because I understand not everyone likes the smell of it and it is a disgusting habit which I'm not proud of, but there are many other dangerous things on campus like those who drive 40 mph in the parking lot who can hurt me in an instant, or even the guy who sexually abused a girl in the bathroom, go worry about those guys, not the already polluted air that surrounds your campus ," Ryan Thompson, a future advertising major said.

Image crdit: deanza.edu

New laws, call for new policies, which then call for new fines. According to De Anza’s Smoking policy, anyone who is seen smoking outside of the designated smoking  areas marked with a star, will be fined.

For some students who are usual smokers said they find this policy a bit unnecessary and pointless. 

“Were all adults here, I understand the policy of only smoking in designated areas, but fines are completely pointless and selfish,” according to 22-year-old,  Francisco Villalobos, a business administration major.

 Not only are students upset with this policy, but the high paying price for these fines are an even bigger issue to most. 

“I’m not 12 years old to be punished for what I do wrong, and I am sure not paying more money to a school that already makes enough from my parents salary,” 23-year-old, accounting major Lisbeth Virrueta said.

“Being a college student is already enough money being spent, I can't afford paying for classes, books, parking, transcripts, and unfair fines” said Andrew Nguyen, a psychology major. “I don’t mind following these rules, as long as they are adequate and fair,” he added.

Most of the students said they would much rather prefer another punishment like receiving later registration dates, DASB card suspension, and even on-campus community service.

“I’m sure who ever came up with this policy did not consider a smoker’s perspective and probably didn’t care either, we’re college students, I'm a part time student I don't make much money but I also pay for my own education and I can barely afford to pay my gas for the week,” English major Tyler Bento said.

Not many students favor these rules but there are a few who appreciate it.and believe De Anza is doing the right thing not only for the school but for the community as well. So is this smoking policy a good idea?

Students agree the fees aren't as expensive and"many should consider themselves lucky to only have to pay a  fine under $100 and not a fine that's at least 3 figures, people pay over 5 dollars for a pack of cigarettes, 25 dollars isn't much," 19-year-old, engineering major Nick Lewis explained.

“I couldn’t agree with the smoking policy any more. Not only will this make a difference in our school, but I think this policy might want to actually make people quit smoking, we all want to live a long healthy life, and what better way than to start off at school?” Selina Garcia, 19-year old, business administration major said. 

   22 -year-old, film major  Hakwoo Kim, understands the way society is trying to have a "smoke-free" environment, but he feels that fining people is the most effective way.