Board of Regents recommends tobacco ban at college campuses

The Highland County Press

The Ohio Board of Regents has voted unanimously to approve a resolution presented by Regents’ Chairman James Tuschman recommending that each board of trustees of the University System of Ohio consider implementing its own policy to establish its campus as tobacco-free.

"It's the right thing to do," Tuschman said. “Statistics prove that a tobacco-free campus significantly curbs the smoking habits of students, faculty and staff to make campuses healthier environments.”

Each university’s or college’s board of trustees will decide whether to ban tobacco on campus. The resolution, which was initially discussed following a presentation by Dr. Toby Cosgrove, chief executive of the Cleveland Clinic at the May meeting of the Ohio Board of Regents, is supported by Chancellor Jim Petro.

Southern State Community College President Dr. Kevin Boys told The Highland County Press he would have the issue on the agenda for the next Board of Trustees' meeting.

"We received word of the resolution on Monday," Boys said. "It was encouraging that this is a recommendation and not something done through legislation."

Boys said the college would gather information from students and staff and take a "slow and deliberate look" at the proposal.

Southern State has a ban on indoor smoking, but does not prohibit smoking outdoors on any of its campuses.

“I began smoking in college and continued to smoke for 40 years. It has adversely affected my health,” said Petro who was diagnosed in 2009 with laryngeal cancer that could have been caused by smoking. He is cancer-free now. “By approving this resolution and recommending that policies be implemented on our campuses, the Board of Regents can have a significant and positive effect on a student’s life."

Boys said he appreciates the chancellor's stance and the merits of the recommendation. However, he noted that many of SSCC's adult students have "enough barriers" in their pursuit of higher education.

"They don't need more barriers," Boys said. "We want to look at this in a measured approach."

The college also would have new concerns for policy enforcement and potential penalties for those in violation, should the recommendation take effect.

According to the American Cancer Society, there were 10,270 new cases of lung cancer in Ohio in 2012 with 7,530 cases resulting in death. The annual national health care expenditure, both public and private, caused by smoking is $96 billion, with secondhand smoke exposure leading to $4.98 billion in healthcare costs. Healthcare costs are 40 percent higher for smokers than non-smokers.

The college years are a time when many students begin smoking and are therefore a primary concern for healthcare organizations. According to the Ohio Department of Health, almost 40 percent of college-aged smokers either began smoking or become a regular smoker after starting college.

“College students begin smoking because of stress, drinking, social pressures, and to control their weight,” said Tuschman referencing Dr. Cosgrove who says that 37 percent of college students who smoke, begin after they enroll. “If we as the University System of Ohio can help deter students, faculty, and staff from smoking, then maybe we can create a healthier environment for learning.”

At least seven Ohio campuses have enacted policies banning the sale of cigarettes and smoking anywhere on campus including Miami University, Hocking College, and the Health Sciences Campus at the University of Toledo.

Ohio currently has a statewide smoking ban that does not permit smoking in any public place or workplace. Ohio citizens approved the ballot issue in November of 2006, with 2.2 million voters supporting the ban.

The resolution will now be sent to each board of trustees for consideration.