{"id":36452,"date":"2018-11-09T08:38:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-09T13:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/?p=36452"},"modified":"2018-11-09T08:38:00","modified_gmt":"2018-11-09T13:38:00","slug":"a-smoke-free-campus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/2018\/11\/09\/a-smoke-free-campus\/","title":{"rendered":"A Smoke Free Campus"},"content":{"rendered":"With the Trudeau government\u2019s recent legalization of cannabis, many questions have surfaced surrounding smoking laws at the University of Toronto. While some students are celebrating this long-awaited legislation, others are fretting, wondering what will happen to our historic sidewalks\/green spaces.\r\n\r\nOn October 22nd,<\/sup> the university\u2019s human resources department released a statement saying that the proposed Smoke-Free Policy will, \u201cBan smoking (including smoking and\/or vaping of tobacco and cannabis) on all University property effective January 1, 2019.\u201d \u2013medical accommodations and Indigenous ceremonies are exempt. The policy awaits the Governing Council\u2019s approval this fall.\r\n\r\nU of T\u2019s current smoking policy dates back to 1995\u2014when smoking was still allowed in restaurants in Ontario, so U of T smoking areas can be designated in \u201cregular campus bars\u201d and \u201cresidences.\u201d\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nLast fall U of T Students took to REDDIT to share their thoughts. One student deemed this ban a, \u201cGood idea, we need a clean campus\u201d and another said, \u201cMaybe impossible? At UTM, there's always people smoking directly under the -No smoking within 10 meters- sign near the entrance.\u201d\r\n\r\nIt seems that the campus is more divided on this issue than the Facebook college Meme war.<\/em>\r\n\r\nPersonally, I don\u2019t smoke regularly and even less so on campus. Although as I read about the policy, I couldn\u2019t help but think of those whom I know that would be affected by this change. Those who stand outside Robarts, or Sidney Smith Hall for a cigarette break between classes.\r\n\r\nIn efforts to explore the other side of the argument, I sat down with one of my friends\u2014a third-year student who I will refer to as Alan.\r\n\r\nMe:<\/strong> How long have you been smoking? And how often on campus?<\/em>\r\n\r\nAlan:\u00a0<\/strong>I've been smoking for about 3 years. On a given school day, I'll have about 2 cigarettes.\r\n\r\nMe:<\/em><\/strong> Do you think U of T\u2019s proposed smoking legislation will change your habits?<\/em>\r\n\r\nAlan:\u00a0<\/strong>Not exactly, I think people who smoke will find places to do so. Upon just visiting McGill campus, it's clear that designated smoking areas aren't strictly observed by students.\r\n\r\nMe:<\/strong> How would you suggest U of T maintain a clean, but also smoke-friendly campus?<\/em>\r\n\r\nAlan:<\/strong> I think the largest emphasis should be placed on enforcement. As of now campus police aren't entirely enforcing the designated smoking zones, resulting in students catching second-hand smoke as they leave buildings on campus. When smoking I'm always respectful of those around me, though laws must be follow in order to be fair all.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m trying to decide how I feel about this pending policy. \u00a0The University has already acknowledged the challenges in banning smoking on U of T property. Spaces such as St. George street are not owned by the school, although areas like King's College Circle could be monitored. Fence sitting as always, I think it would\u00a0 also be nice to have clean, smoke free green spaces in the downtown core. Most importantly\u00a0I believe the policy should be a product of collective student, staff and faculty opinions and discussion.\r\n\r\nUntil next week- R\r\n\r\n ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\nWith the Trudeau government\u2019s recent legalization of cannabis, many questions have surfaced surrounding smoking laws at the University of Toronto. While some students are celebrating this long-awaited legislation, others are fretting, wondering what will happen to our historic sidewalks\/green spaces.…\n<\/div>
Continue reading “A Smoke Free Campus”<\/span>…<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>
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