Towson University Bans Smoking On Campus

BALTIMORE - WBALTV.com

A local university is leading the way on a campus-wide smoking ban.

Towson University just passed a measure which would force smokers to light up off university grounds.

The university covers more than 300 acres -- so if anyone wanthing to smoke on campus next fall could have to take a long walk to get out of the smoke-free zone.

"I think it's a good idea because it'll reduce second-hand smoke and in the long run, help us stay healthier longer," student Brielle Kovalchek said.

Non-smokers are applauding the measure. Kovalchek said she often has to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to class.

"There are occasions when I have to throw my sweatshirt in the wash because I can smell the smoke on it," Kovalchek said.

The ban covers the entire 328-acre campus, including all buildings, residence halls, exterior open spaces, parking lots and garages, as well as recreational spaces and on-campus streets and sidewalks.

Smokers such as Andrew Chambarry said they are concerned that the ban will push students to hover near York Road on the edge of campus to have a cigarette.

"I feel like they should set aside places where people can smoke, because right now they don't have anything," Chambarry said. "They're going to have to go out on the sidewalks and streets to smoke cigarettes. If (they are) drunk and stumbling around, what if somebody gets hit by a car trying to smoke a cigarette."

The Towson ban is the latest in a string of smoking measures aimed at reducing second-hand smoke.

Baltimore City outlawed smoking in bars and restaurants last year. At about the same time, state lawmakers shot down a move to fine drivers who light up with children in the car.

"I'll always find a way to smoke a cigarette somewhere," Chambarry said.

Chambarry said he understands the need to distance himself from non-smokers, but he's concerned that the university's ban will marginalize him and his friends.

"Over 30 percent of college students are smokers and that's a large percentage. (We) have just as much a right to be a part of this campus," Chambarry said.

Disciplinary action includes fines or sanctions.

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