SGA considers smoking ban

Author: Katie Hylas

Sunday March 12, the Student Government Association (SGA) met in the Robert A. Jones House to discuss a potential revision to the current smoking policy at Middlebury College. The Community Council's proposed revisions aroused emotion in both smokers and nonsmokers. In response to increased discussion around campus, SGA President Eli Berman '07.5 opened the weekly SGA meeting to all students to allow them the opportunity to voice their opinions.

Since President Emeritus John McCardell implemented a ban in 2004, smoking has been prohibited inside College buildings. Last month, faculty and staff members pressured the Council to implement, or at the very least discuss, further restrictions on smoking. Specific complaints pertained to smoke getting into buildings. The considerations of the Council included the designation of at least one smoke-free entrance to every building where smoking is prohibited, the designation of a certain distance from building entrances in which smoking is prohibited, making individual specifications for each building depending on the placements of windows or overhangs, banning all smoking on campus or making no change to the current policy.

Roughly a dozen students attended the meeting to express concerns or listen to debate about the potential smoking policy revision, the majority of whom were smokers. These students voiced frustration and offense.

Shanaz Chowdhury '09 protested that proposed policies treat smokers "as if we have a disease." She demanded, "Should we stand in the middle of the street when cars are passing by?"

Akash Mohpal '09 asserted, "We already have so many laws, rules and regulations to follow."

When the SGA picked up discussion again, the electric atmosphere was sustained. Senior Class Senator Andrew Carnabuci said smokers are the most stigmatized group on campus. He reminded the SGA of its responsibilities toward the smokers on campus. "We need to protect the rights of the minority as well." As he quickly scratched out a resolution calling for no changes to the current policy he said of the smoke outside buildings, "It's just a bad smell."

Sophomore Class Senator Max Nardini urged that the people affected by smoke are another minority deserving of consideration, "If it does bother people… we should consider those people's rights as well." This group includes faculty and students with offices or dorm rooms near popular smoking spots.

The most widely discussed solution was an awareness and educational campaign, intended to foster an environment of mutual respect between smokers and non-smokers on campus.

This educational plan falls under a broader vision discussed - that of the College as a place with a culture of respect. Berman implied that this culture of respect applies not only to smoking but to issues like dining hall dish theft and newspapers left on tables in dining halls. His vision includes a resolution of the smoking conflicts through a more personal plan. Berman proposes that students and faculty can solve problems by saying, "You're bothering me… you're upsetting me."

Some members of the SGA are hesitant about a purely educational plan. Freshman Class Senator Sean Denny noted that even after direct personal discussion between smokers and non-smokers in his building, Battell Center, "I haven't really seen smokers move away."

Freshman Feb Class Senator Gita Eglite went beyond Denny's objections and questioned the merits of an educational campaign altogether. She cited the possibility of a "huge gap between smokers and non-smokers [involving] less and less respect."

The issue has been tabled until after break. Until then, Berman plans to generate awareness of the smoking policy discussions.