There’s nothing like the piercing look of judgment. That is, nothing as bad as it.

When I enjoy my occasional cigarette (in a designated smoking area ALWAYS), it’s fun to notice the looks of disgust and awe at such a habit. Yes, smoking is unhealthy.

Do smokers’ know this? Yes. Do we want you to tell us – whether verbal or non-verbal? No. But enough about the stigma behind tobacco use. I want to address the growing movement for a campus-wide ban on smoking.

I’m not a big fan of the current statewide ban on tobacco use. I understand the need for a ban in true public places, but not in private places. Bars and restaurants are private institutions, and as such, reserve the right to allow, or deny, service to anyone. If they don’t like your crocs, they have the right to deny you a drink (I would). You don’t like the smell of smoke? You must not be aware that it is commonplace in “nightlife” institutions. Remember that it is your privilege, rather than right, to enter a private business.

As for a campus-wide ban, that is up to university administration. I would consider it an unwise move due to the level of smoking on campus and difficulty of enforcement. No one can deny that a fair portion of students on campus smoke. To ban it would be to go against these students who have a voice. As tuition-paying people, we should be allowed to have a say in our rights. Now I’m stepping on toes…I know what the reply will be: “I have to walk behind a smoker on the way to  class!” Yes, you do. That smoker is also not obeying the designated smoking area policy. This is a matter of enforcement and lies under the jurisdiction of residence life and security. There is no need to enact a new policy when the solution is to enforce the current rule. So next time you see a smoker having a cigarette in a designated smoking area, smile and show a little Christian love rather than glare in disgust and judgment.