The Snapper - Commentary
Issue: 4/8/04
Snapper Speaks: Snapper to SWAT: Some good ideas, but some too excessive
Students Working Against Tobacco, SWAT for short, sounds very imposing. You're probably making a mental connection with Colin Farrell and the movie he starred in. This association is not unfounded because of the organization's assault on the ancient smoking policy here at MU.
For instance, where the original reads, "In recognition of the needs of the tobacco user, the use of tobacco shall be permitted in designated smoking area," the proposed revision includes a list of four stringent limitations on the use of all forms of tobacco. Also, the original policy is half a page long; the proposed takes up a lot more paper.
There has been a little resistance group growing about those who oppose this policy. They call themselves MUTE, Millersville University Tobacco Enthusiasts. They oppose some of the outrageous changes to the policy.
While MUTE may not be a sanctioned organization, they are helping SWAT iron out the prospective policy. This situation is absolutely perfect according to SWAT. They want to open the issue up for discussion and say the proposed fines for smoking within undesignated areas are the best-case situation, though they know it probably won't happen.
The whole point of putting out the projected changes, SWAT says, is to open discussion among the students. The Snapper sees these changes as a bit severe, and somewhat humorous at times. For example, the penalties for littering are excessive, "Monetary fines of $100.00-$500.00 can be charged to those littering on campus property of tobacco products." The policy also seems a bit idealistic, which is as follows: "Because of the known short-term and long-term health consequences of second hand smoke as well as the sanitary hazards of spit from dip and other tobacco products, students have the right to be able to walk, live, and be educated in clean, smoke-free and tobacco free environments" and it continues, "Tobacco use within twenty feet of any building, court, field, etc. is strictly prohibited." It sounds like they are going to have the smokers stand in the middle of George St. in a tight pack, away from everyone else. Separate, and not equal. Haven't we learned from history that this doesn't work?
That's what it sounds like, but SWAT does not have this fanatic of plans. They are making headway into a policy older than some freshmen. A terrific example of a good change they plan to make is "Smoking and/or smokeless tobacco use is prohibited in all University academic buildings, residence halls, sporting facilities and the Student Memorial Center."
Though SWAT has many good ideas, and their concerns for the University's health needs to be applauded, The Snapper is glad that they have put this very controversial policy to the public for debate; we don't need another parrot controversy.