Since I’m a non-smoker, just the smell of a cigarette is enough to send me running in the opposite direction in search of some clean air. It seems that no matter where I go, this is a situation that affects me nearly every day during my daily routine. Whether sitting in a restaurant, walking through the airport, or simply talking to my friends, it is as if everyone around me smokes, and I cannot escape it. They have their own designated areas, but do these spaces really control the smoke, and the effect that the second hand smoke has on everyone in the vicinity? I would venture to say no.
Example: I am walking into Outback Steakhouse with my father to enjoy a tender Victoria’s Filet. Before the hostess even asks how many people are in my party, the first words that come out of her mouth are, “Smoking or Non.”
Society is so controlled by this disease that it even dictates where people will sit to consume a meal for maybe forty-five minutes. Of course, I opt for the non-smoking area, and the hostess replies cordially by escorting my father and me into our desired area.
But even in our very own secluded section, we are not safe from the unpleasantries that come from others around us smoking cigarettes. I can still see the thick haze that hovered over the booths of the smokers, and the pungent odor that makes everyone’s meal a little less enjoyable.
Smoking is an area of controversy that is present in nearly every public place in the United States, and it has just recently reared its ugly little head at our very own campus here at RWC.
Currently, there is no designated smoking area for students and faculty alike at RWC. This is a problem. Although I am speaking out against smoking, I am aware that smokers need to and have a right to have a place where they can congregate. For one odd reason or another, the students have taken it upon themselves to find such a spot. And they have decided that the best spot for their smoking pleasure shall be directly in front of the main entrance at Muntz. There are several problems and controversies that arise from smoking in this area.
First, the students know they are not allowed to smoke in this area. There are numerous signs stating that smoking is illegal here, but the rules are being ignored. If this behavior continues, security may be forced to take legal action. This might seem extreme, but up until now, the warnings and signs have had little effect. The legal action could come in the form of fines, which the students would have to pay if they were caught breaking the rules.
After I spoke to some of the smoking students, it became evident that they choose the spot in front of Muntz because they are able to shelter themselves against the building from the cold winds that we have had during the winter months. Also, they don’t have to walk anywhere. They can walk out of the double doors and light up.
The first problem with this is that the smoke goes directly up into the air ducts, until the smoke reaches its final destination, which happens to be the Computer Lab in Room 214. Just by sticking your head in the room briefly, the evidence of stale, dirty smoke becomes quite clear. So now, the students and faculty who work in this room must breath and smell this foul aroma for their remaining stay in Room 214.
The second problem that arises from this self-proclaimed designated area is the appearance that it gives off to the entire school. The ground is littered with dozens of cigarette butts, which make the main entrance to the school seem trashy, and it seems as if the students don’t have pride in the appearance of their school.
RWC is currently undergoing the process of interviewing prospective deans for the school. When they come in for their interviews, the first thing they see is the unpleasant sight of litter and the foul smell. They then open the double doors, at which time all of the smoke is swept directly inside of Muntz. This is not a good first impression.
Up to now, Security has mainly looked the other way when they have seen smokers in front of Muntz. The main reason for this is that security is aware that smokers have no designated area right now. Security is currently working with faculty and students to design a smoking area that is agreeable to all parties involved. If you have any suggestions, contact the Security Office at 745-5707.