New measures taken to restrict smoking near McEwen
Second-hand smoke cited as main reason
for school’s action Raymond Beadnell Jr. / Reporter
Finding a place to finish a cigarette before class has
gotten a bit more difficult. Signs have been placed outside
the School of Communications instructing smokers to stay at
least 30 feet from the door. According to the Elon student
handbook, smoking within 30 feet of any building on campus is
prohibited, but the School of Communications is the only
building to enforce the rule with signs.
The new signs were placed after many faculty members
complained about the smokers congregating in front of the
door and taking up most of the space on the porch in front of
McEwen. Last week, the small, brown, wall-mounted signs were
replaced by large white signs along the walkway and two more
at the front of the building. However, the signs’
effectiveness is limited, as the handbook provides no clear
definition of how to prosecute those in violation of the
smoking rule. Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of
students, said the administration hopes the students can
address the problem themselves without having to be
threatened with a ticket or other sanction.
According to Jackson, smoking has long been a concern of
Elon faculty and staff. Three years ago, Elon administrators,
faculty and students met to determine the main concern of
students on campus. Jackson said many participants expressed
concern about second-hand smoke. Rather than making Elon a
smoke-free campus, the council decided to make a rule stating
there would be no smoking within 30 feet of any university
structure.
However, not all students had a problem with the smokers
standing by doorways, trying to finish their cigarettes
before or after class.
“Most smokers at Elon are very courteous when it comes
to their habit. I’m against the school allowing smoking
in any of the buildings, but I don’t care if people
want to smoke outside,” said junior Matt Swope.
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These signs, placed outside of McEwen each day, remind
students that the student handbook prohibits them from
smoking within 30 feet of the entrance to any academic
building on campus.
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