Comments Back WVU Smoking Ban

An overwhelming majority of the more than 80 public comments submitted to West Virginia University's Board of Governors about the school's proposed campus-wide smoking ban supports the policy, but many question key provisions of the rule. As written, the proposal would ban all smoking on WVU's campus. Current policy prohibits smoking inside campus buildings; the proposal would extend that outdoors. Section 3.2 of the policy says some events can circumvent the smoking ban.

"Events that attract a large number of off-campus visitors to the WVU Campus may be exempted on a case by case basis with the approval of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, provided that all smoking be restricted to designated outdoor smoking areas," the proposal reads. A large number of public comments criticized that loophole. Other concerns included questions about the legality of enforcing a smoking ban on streets and rights-of-way not owned by the university. Some comments also asked about compliance, enforcement, signage and whether the university would also ban e-cigarettes, which emit water vapor as opposed to smoke.

 Despite some reservations, the number of those in support of the plan vastly outweighed those against it. In fact, many people who submitted comments are so eager to see the policy put in place, they've urged university officials to implement it before the target date of July 1, 2013. "I'm glad to see this change, but I wish it could take effect sooner," one comment reads. T Many respondents ask the university to put the plan in place as early as August, in time for next school year. "I can't enjoy weather on a nice day at WVU because there are people smoking all around me," a supporter of the policy submitted.

There were also a handful of comments opposed to the proposal. Of those comments, many were skeptical WVU has the legal authority to regulate smoking outside. "This is an infringement on students' rights," a comment read. Another said, "Legally, I just don't see how WVU can create an outdoor smoking ban." The BOG will consider all comments before voting on the policy change during its regular meeting next month in Charleston.