Smoking Ban Letter

Fellow Students,

This letter is to inform you on the SGA Executive Administration’s stance on the University of Louisville’s new smoking ban policy. As you know, student feedback is essential in our efforts to advocate your voice to University administration. We truly appreciate you taking the time to let us know your thoughts on this policy.

Over the last week, we have received a large amount of emails, Facebook messages, and had numerous students at a Town Hall event express their opinions on the smoking ban policy.  We have also held conversations with various members of the University administration, including the Provost, to receive the University’s perspective on the issue.  President Oleka and the rest of the Executive Branch are working with the SGA Senate to continue to reach out to all of our constituents, to make sure we receive as much feedback from students as possible.

Thus far, we have received a large amount of both support and opposition to the smoking ban. Our goal is to advocate for an effective smoking policy that upholds the rights of all students on campus, smokers and non-smokers alike.  The smoking ban, as written, will make campus a place where non-smokers will be able to breath cleaner, healthier air without having to deal with the dangers of second hand smoke.  However, we are worried that the removal of designated smoking areas from campus in June will create a variety of issues for those students who exercise their legal right to consume tobacco, especially for those students who live on campus.  Because SGA serves and represents all students, both smokers and non-smokers, SGA is committed to advocating for smoking areas as long as possible. Furthermore, SGA will join in the conversation of where to put these smoking areas on campus in an effort to make sure these areas are in an area that is safe and at a reasonable location for smokers, but also in areas where non-smokers will not have to be subjected to second hand smoke.  In addition, SGA is advocating that the costs of programs to help students quit smoking, as proposed by the Provost, are free for students. SGA is also making sure that the administration develops an enforcement policy that is workable but also fair to all students.

We will continue to update students as SGA receives further developments on the smoking ban. Again, thank you for taking the time to express your opinions on the issue. As stated earlier, we cannot advocate effectively for you without your feedback. If you have any further feedback, questions, or comments, feel free to reply to this email, or call or stop by my office at any time. Also, President Oleka spends a great deal of time in his office each day, so feel free to stop by and see him, or send him an email at sgapres@louisville.edu and schedule a meeting with him.  Thanks again, and please continue to let SGA know what is important to you.

Sincerely,

SGA Executive Administration