Just over a year after pulling tobacco products from the university bookstore, Fairfield administrators are considering restrictions on cigarette smoking within residence halls due to the negative health aspects of second hand smoke.
Fairfield has considered regulations to smoking in residence halls before, but had never changed its policy. As more universities go to smoke-free dorms, the university requested that Gary Stephenson, director of housing operations, gather information about the subject. The university will work in conjunction with Inter Residence Hall Government (IRHG) and Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) to determine student opinion on the matter.
“This is not a rights issue,” Stephenson said. “We are not telling students they can’t smoke, we are just looking to protect those who don’t.”
The issue was presented to FUSA at a Senate meeting on Jan. 27, who is currently working to obtain the opinion of the student body. The student government is also creating a web page where students can cast their vote to what action, if any, should take place. The web page will appear on the FUSA website as early as Sunday.
“The students have a strong voice in the matter and they should exercise their opinions,” said FUSA President Joe Piagentini. “The Dean of Students has worked well with us and won’t make a decision until he hears the student voice.”
“A total ban would not be a good idea, because smokers and nonsmokers alike have rights,” said Vin Farisello ’03, a smoker and FUSA senator. “I would not be opposed to a compromise.”
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