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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
USC

USG Senate Talks Smoke-Free Campus

A possible smoking ban would be modeled on a similar ban at universities in the UC system.

USG discusses USC's smoking policy.  (Raquelle Ross/ATVN)
USG discusses USC's smoking policy. (Raquelle Ross/ATVN)
UCLA recently became a smoke-free campus, and according to UC Health, every University of California will ban smoking by 2014. Now, the USG wants to establish the same policy for USC.

Former USG Vice President Vinnie Prasad and Director of Wellness Affairs Alexander Pinto presented a recent survey showing that 54 percent of undergraduates feel USC should become a smoke-free campus, while 27 percent are in favor of designated smoking areas, and 17 percent do not want a change of policy.

The current smoking policy reads:

“The university recognizes the need to accommodate those members of the university community who wish to smoke. Therefore, administrative and academic units may designate existing outdoor space as smoking areas, but these areas should be located far enough away from doorways, windows and ventilation systems to prevent smoke from entering enclosed buildings and facilities.”

Pinto will form a “Campus Smoking Policy Committee” to investigate all alternatives to the current policy. The Committee will present their research and recommendation on November 1.

The Senate unanimously supports the resolution.

In other business:

El Centro Chicano asked USG to help prevent USC’s proposal to move the organization’s current location to the fourth floor of the Ronald Tutor Campus Center June 1. For the past 33 years, El Centro Chicano has been located in the United University Church. The organization recently protested the move by rallying on Trousdale. The Ambassadors are concerned with inconveniencing the Latino community and losing their current resources, including their lecture hall. They want USG to be the ‘representative voice,’ in which the Senate will vote on next week.

 

COMMENTS

I'm an enrolled Junior and I believe the current smoking policy is a joke. People smoke all over campus and it's extremely irritating. Some buildings like SSC are impossible to exit without being assaulted by the stench. I strongly support a smoking ban at USC.

I am a longtime Republican Conservative and a Business owner. I strongly support Smoking Bans on ALL College Campuses. Smoking or any type of tobacco use does NOT belong in an Institution where today's best are being prepared to be tomorrow's leaders.

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