Students give their opinions on smoking or vaping on campus
BY: LAUREN JOHNS
Art & Life Editor
According to the STLCC Board and Administration Policy, Sec. B.23, Tobacco is a prohibited substance district wide. The ban implies a ban on electronic cigarettes and vapes as well. The lieutenant on campus, Terri Buford, has not witnessed any smokers, nor has she received any reports.
However, Caleb Utter, a sophomore, claims that smoking on campus happens fairly regularly, even in classroom settings.
“When I was in Communications North, there were, like two students in my speech class,” said Utter. “I couldn’t smell any weed, but I could see it in their eyes. Dead giveaway.”
Despite merely giving off the appearance of being intoxicated, Utter has noticed several students sneaking a smoke or two while the teacher was lecturing.
“They have a specific technique where they’ll sniff and then bury their faces in their shirts to remain incognito,” said Utter.
According to him, academic penalties should be placed, perhaps a $5 fine.
“Vape smells better, but it still makes me dizzy,” Utter said. “It’s sweet, but like a pungent candle sweet.”
In addition to the smell and the headaches that ensue, sophomore Amelia Humphrey finds smoking to be completely inappropriate in any University or school setting.
“I have several friends who smoke weed,” said Humphrey. “So, I don’t hate anyone for it; I just hate the fact they are doing it at a college campus.”
Humphrey recounts a classmate who was in a ‘literal hot-box,’ with the smell of weed encompassing him everywhere he went.
“There are people in recovery from drugs,” said Humphrey. “They shouldn’t have to be subjected to those kinds of substances, and I know someone allergic to nicotine.”
Aside from recovering addicts, various substances can even spark a new habit for those not previously introduced.
“A lot of people who try vaping are more susceptible to trying smoking,” said Humphrey. “It’s not necessarily a ‘gateway drug,’ but it’s similar.”
Lt. Terri Buford with Campus Police weighed in on the negative aspects of smoking.
“It’s a bad look for our campus,” said Buford. “And young people are filling their lungs with chemicals that shouldn’t be there. Not to mention, cigarettes are expensive.”
Similar to the lieutenant, sophomore Cindy Marsden agrees with the risks from smoking, but rarely sees anyone doing it on campus.
“I don’t see it as much as I would expect,” said Marsden. “But either way, I know what’s in them so that’s their business. It’s not my place to report it as long as it doesn’t bother me.”
In relation to this, Humphrey claims that students don’t view alerting the police to be a priority.
“A lot of people don’t tell them,” said Humphrey. “I’ve seen so many students smoking or vaping but have never reported it because I’ve been busy with my own schedule or my own thing.”
Lt. Buford understands that it’s up to preference whether you report it or not, but hopes staff and faculty will step up.
“Maybe a student or visitor didn’t know about the ban,” said Buford. “We need to educate people first. Any violations will result in a 15 dollar fine.”
