With the student government approval of a proposed policy, Ventura College moved a step closer last week to becoming a smoke-free campus.
If the policy is approved by the Facilities Oversight Group, smokers at Ventura College would be banned to the parking lots. A similar policy was implemented this semester at Moorpark College, and Oxnard is considering a smoke-free policy as well. However Jeff Matt, the President of the Associated Student Body of Ventura College, is not positive how effective the new policy will be.
“I was for the new smoke-free policy,” Matt said. “The only thing is that it cannot be enforced, period.”
At the Associated Student Body of Ventura College meeting on Oct. 25, the ASB voted 6 to 2 to support the policy. If the smoke-free policy is supported, smoking will no longer be permitted anywhere on the Ventura College campus, except in the two main parking lots.
Elanie Tennan, the Family Nurse Practitioner and member of Student Health Services which proposed the Smoke-free policy, said the policy is in the interest of the health and welfare of the students, employees, and the public.
“There have been numerous complaints from student patients and staff about second hand smoke,” said Tennan. “It is a problem.”
But others question the need for such a policy. Student Activities Mary Louise Verbeck opposes the smoke-free policy.
“Smoking is still legal in this state,” stated Verbeck. “Smokers have rights too.”
The current Ventura College smoking policy, which is also state law, prohibits smoking within 20 feet of main entrances, exits, and operable windows, but Student Health Services said rules should go further so they are easier to enforce, and reduce problems with second hand smoke and cigarette butts. The current policy is very difficult to enforce, no one knows how far 20 feet is. If the new policy is implemented the problems are expected to be minimized, although some are still concerned that they are going to have the same problems of enforcement with the new policy.
Campus Police Officer Bob Escobedo explained the smoke-free policy will be a school policy and not a California state law. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance to the Student Conduct Code or the Employee Conduct policies for staff members.
“If it is a state law it could be enforced,” stated Escobedo. But if it is just school policy then it will just be a violation of a school rule.”
Violators would expect to receive verbal warnings issued by the campus police, administration, staff, faculty, and student organizations. Repeat offenders will be referred to the Assistant Dean of Student Services.
The smoke-free policy is not expected to be implemented on Ventura College campus until sometime next semester. President Robin Calote said the policy will not even be considered for the next step of Facilities Oversight Group approval until the issues with the union are resolved and the campus process is complete.
“There is not even a uniform position on campus,” said Calote. “I don’t personally see the policy implemented for another several months.”
Until then, Student Health Services will be conducting student surveys on campus and will be working with the Public Health. Contact the Student Health Center at 654-6346.
