2008 Woodie Awards
Clearing the air on Iowa's new nonsmoking act
Cindy Petersen
Issue date: 8/18/08 Section: News
The Smoke Free Air Act went into effect on July 1 and many smokers had to decide whether they wanted to deal with the inconvenience of taking their smoking habit to an isolated area, or just quit to avoid the hassle. The new law prohibits smoking in most public and outdoor areas in Iowa.
Hayley Lyphout, a business major from Walford, is one person who said she feels that her rights are being violated. "I feel like I'm being punished for choosing to smoke. The tobacco companies get us hooked and then it's hard to quit. I know a lot of people who are really mad about the new law."
Smokers, like Lyphout, are being forced to go off-campus to light up and are required to be at least 10 feet outside of Kirkwood property to smoke. They aren't allowed to smoke in their cars until they have crossed the restriction line.
According to Tom Kaldenberg, Facilities Executive Director, "Signage has been posted at the entrance of each building on campus, reminding smokers of the new law. We have also provided 'business cards' (that states the no smoking policy) to staff and faculty to hand out to individuals who are not aware of the new rules. Fortunately, everyone is complying with the law at this time. However, if we do have repeat violators, the dean of students will be able to take administrative action as necessary."
Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich said there haven't been too many problems with smoking. He has encountered a student or two who weren't aware or "forgot" about the new law and they complied when they were asked to extinguish their cigarette. He also said that though tickets won't be given out, a warning should be enough.
"If it becomes a habitual thing, " Starcevich stressed, "they will be turned over to Bob Burns, dean of students and dealt with accordingly. If they fail to listen to reason, they will be expelled."
A non-smoker himself, Starcevich added, "Personally I like the new law. I've never been a smoker, but it does come down to choice. Everyone has the right to choose how they live their life."
Education major, Ashley Gisel, from Cedar Rapids, said she is thrilled with the new law. "I have asthma, which limits my choices of places I can go. I'm glad I can finally attend school without worrying about walking out the door straight into someone's smoke cloud. I think this law is a great thing."
Campus Nurse Lori Jeppson said a "Quit Kit" is available to help ease the cravings that often arise when a smoker makes the commitment to quit. The "Quit Kit" consists of a sucker, pieces of gum, a mint, a stress ball key chain and a list of things to do if the cravings begin to become too much to handle.
Nicotine patches can also be obtained for little or no cost through Campus Health. Smoking Cessation classes will also be offered on campus in the near future. For more information on how to quit smoking, contact Campus Health, which is located in room 132 Iowa Hall.
Hayley Lyphout, a business major from Walford, is one person who said she feels that her rights are being violated. "I feel like I'm being punished for choosing to smoke. The tobacco companies get us hooked and then it's hard to quit. I know a lot of people who are really mad about the new law."
Smokers, like Lyphout, are being forced to go off-campus to light up and are required to be at least 10 feet outside of Kirkwood property to smoke. They aren't allowed to smoke in their cars until they have crossed the restriction line.
According to Tom Kaldenberg, Facilities Executive Director, "Signage has been posted at the entrance of each building on campus, reminding smokers of the new law. We have also provided 'business cards' (that states the no smoking policy) to staff and faculty to hand out to individuals who are not aware of the new rules. Fortunately, everyone is complying with the law at this time. However, if we do have repeat violators, the dean of students will be able to take administrative action as necessary."
Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich said there haven't been too many problems with smoking. He has encountered a student or two who weren't aware or "forgot" about the new law and they complied when they were asked to extinguish their cigarette. He also said that though tickets won't be given out, a warning should be enough.
"If it becomes a habitual thing, " Starcevich stressed, "they will be turned over to Bob Burns, dean of students and dealt with accordingly. If they fail to listen to reason, they will be expelled."
A non-smoker himself, Starcevich added, "Personally I like the new law. I've never been a smoker, but it does come down to choice. Everyone has the right to choose how they live their life."
Education major, Ashley Gisel, from Cedar Rapids, said she is thrilled with the new law. "I have asthma, which limits my choices of places I can go. I'm glad I can finally attend school without worrying about walking out the door straight into someone's smoke cloud. I think this law is a great thing."
Campus Nurse Lori Jeppson said a "Quit Kit" is available to help ease the cravings that often arise when a smoker makes the commitment to quit. The "Quit Kit" consists of a sucker, pieces of gum, a mint, a stress ball key chain and a list of things to do if the cravings begin to become too much to handle.
Nicotine patches can also be obtained for little or no cost through Campus Health. Smoking Cessation classes will also be offered on campus in the near future. For more information on how to quit smoking, contact Campus Health, which is located in room 132 Iowa Hall.
Be the first to comment on this story