More Colleges Become Smoke Free

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Story Published: Jul 23, 2008 at 5:42 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:37 PM MST

By Hasti Taghi

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POCATELLO - A study by the American College Health Association shows tobacco use is increasing on high school and college campuses across America.
Some colleges are opting for a smoke-free campus to help prevent second hand smoke.
The study shows that more freshmen enter college as smokers than did a decade ago.
Some colleges including the college of southern Idaho and Boise University are trying to discourage students from smoking by not allowing it on campus.
Idaho State University here in Pocatello says they have begun discussing this issue but have not made a final decision as of yet.

"we want to be a place where people feel welcome and it's healthy," says Graham Garner with ISU University Relations.

Studies show 30-to-40 percent of college students smoke and those who don't are 40-percent less likely to become smokers if they live in smoke-free dorms. However, only 27% of colleges have these regulations. College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls is the latest college to become a smoke-free campus.

"I don't smoke so I think it's a good idea to make campuses smoke-free," says Weston Whitworth a college student.
"I think it would be good but at the same time I don't think we should regulate so much," says Rebecca Cunningham, campus faculty.

Idaho State University officials have had talks of banning cigarette use on campus but are a long way from a final decision.

"some people have raised that issue and it's something we need to have. A campus-wide discussion about," says Graham.

I spoke with a few smokers on campus who did not want to be on camera but tell me it is a bad habit and a smoke-free zone would not necessarily be bad. One told me it is not fair to regulate. All seemed OK with an alternative.

"we would absolutely be looking at all kinds of plans that we could adopt," says Graham.

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