After 15 years, the Thompson Center is taking a closer look at their smoking policy in the building and perhaps Columbia should do the same.
In 1995, Chicago issued the “Clean Indoor Air Ordinance” and in response, Columbia’s Director of Security and Public Safety Jose Gallegos issued a memorandum to all security officers. The memo stated, “There will be no smoking in Columbia College building lobbies, public restrooms, elevators, classrooms, theaters, hallways, labs and studios.” Martha Meegan-Linehan, director of administrative services, said that the smoking policy is still active. So why is it that every time you walk down the stairwell in the 624 S. Michigan Building, you walk into a cloud of smoke?
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Billy O'Keefe/Chronicle
If Columbia has a policy on smoking, then who are THESE guys?!
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When the smoking ordinance was issued, it included designated smoking areas, but it doesn’t appear that those are used as often as the stairwell. I don’t know about you, but it’s beginning to make me sick—literally.
The memo didn’t actually use the word “stairwell,” as a place not to smoke, and perhaps it was assumed that it fell under the “hallway” category. Maybe students just aren’t aware that you can’t smoke in the stairwell, or maybe they just don’t care.
For those of you who weren’t aware, now you know. For those of you who don’t care, you need to start because there are consequences.
Columbia’s student handbook (available at the Dean of Students’ office) has a section entitled, “Code of Conduct.” In this section, it specifically states that smoking in smoke-free designated areas is prohibited and can result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the college.
I do appreciate the small notation in the student handbook making reference to smoking, but there needs to be more. This subject should fall under the “College Policies” section. Currently in this section are Columbia’s policies on sexual harassment and drug and alcohol abuse. These topics are very important, but so is smoking.
It is unfair to subject those who aren’t smokers to second-hand smoke or to force them to take the elevator up or down a few floors because the smoke in the stairwell is intolerable. I know it is probably obvious by now that I am a non-smoker, but I do believe that people should be allowed to smoke, but only in appropriate places.
The majority of the buildings owned by Columbia include some designated smoking areas such as the Follett lounge at 600 S. Michigan, the Hokin Annex at 623 S. Wabash, the Faculty Lounge at 624 S. Michigan and the basement lounge in the Theater building. If you require fresh air (no pun intended) you may also smoke outside.
Smoking isn’t something that has to be done, but breathing is. Therefore, it is necessary that smokers show some consideration toward non-smokers. My intentions are not to demean smokers, but rather make them aware that there is a problem.
Meegan-Linehan said that if a student witnesses smoking in the stairwell, they should notify security because it is a safety and fire hazard to smoke in unauthorized areas.
I have spoken to many students that agree with me, but I am fully aware there will be many students that don’t. Oh well. The only time I want to see smoke in the building is if there is a fire. |
