Hopkins Kicks Butts aims for smoking ban
The student organization Hopkins Kicks Butts (HKB), also known as the Johns Hopkins Anti-Tobacco Coalition, has submitted a proposal to have more anti-smoking signs established near building entrances around campus.
If implemented, this move would bring the group one step closer to reaching its goal of a total smoking ban on campus. HKB operates within the Center for Health Education and Wellness Office. The organization was reorganized in the spring of 2007; it currently has eight to 10 active members dedicated to a smoke-free Hopkins.
"When people smoke on campus, it puts others at risk for second-hand smoke inhalation," HKB President Priya Bhanu said. "While it is a smoker's choice to smoke, it is not the choice of others in his or her vicinity to inhale second hand smoke. By banning smoking on campus, we would eliminate this danger to people's health."
HKB plans to gradually achieve this objective through a three-stage plan, the first of which is expected to be implemented this year. Their first stage and goal for this year involves increasing the number of signs in front of building entrances warning smokers not to smoke there. It is currently illegal under Maryland law to smoke directly in front of or near the entrance to a building because some harmful smoke can enter the building and affect air quality. This year's goal is close to being achieved.
"We met with Dean [of Student Life Susan] Boswell last Thursday to discuss our plans, and we received positive feedback.? As a result, stage one of our plan is set to be implemented," Bhanu said.
The first stage of HKB's plan also entails moving smoking bins away from windows and coordinating with other student groups to stop all events that explicitly or implicitly support tobacco use, such as through hookahs. Their second stage, which they hope to complete next year, involves setting up smoke-free zones on the campus proper.
"[We plan to] limit smoking on campus, establishing smoke-only zones in parking lots on campus.? Smoking would only be permitted in these parking lots, and anyone smoking in these areas would have to be sure to be at least 50 feet away from any building entrances," Bhanu said.
If implemented, this move would bring the group one step closer to reaching its goal of a total smoking ban on campus. HKB operates within the Center for Health Education and Wellness Office. The organization was reorganized in the spring of 2007; it currently has eight to 10 active members dedicated to a smoke-free Hopkins.
"When people smoke on campus, it puts others at risk for second-hand smoke inhalation," HKB President Priya Bhanu said. "While it is a smoker's choice to smoke, it is not the choice of others in his or her vicinity to inhale second hand smoke. By banning smoking on campus, we would eliminate this danger to people's health."
HKB plans to gradually achieve this objective through a three-stage plan, the first of which is expected to be implemented this year. Their first stage and goal for this year involves increasing the number of signs in front of building entrances warning smokers not to smoke there. It is currently illegal under Maryland law to smoke directly in front of or near the entrance to a building because some harmful smoke can enter the building and affect air quality. This year's goal is close to being achieved.
"We met with Dean [of Student Life Susan] Boswell last Thursday to discuss our plans, and we received positive feedback.? As a result, stage one of our plan is set to be implemented," Bhanu said.
The first stage of HKB's plan also entails moving smoking bins away from windows and coordinating with other student groups to stop all events that explicitly or implicitly support tobacco use, such as through hookahs. Their second stage, which they hope to complete next year, involves setting up smoke-free zones on the campus proper.
"[We plan to] limit smoking on campus, establishing smoke-only zones in parking lots on campus.? Smoking would only be permitted in these parking lots, and anyone smoking in these areas would have to be sure to be at least 50 feet away from any building entrances," Bhanu said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 11
Bob
posted 10/24/08 @ 5:01 AM EST
Will potential applicants be informed before they submit their applications for admissions?
Pete
posted 10/24/08 @ 9:27 AM EST
Great news. There are already over 160 campuses nationwide with a campus wide ban in effect. It only makes good sense for Johns Hopkins to join them.
Jason
posted 10/24/08 @ 1:51 PM EST
We need to have everyone switch to the alternative then we would not have to worry about the bans. This is just getting out of hand.
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Mike M
posted 10/24/08 @ 5:12 PM EST
A campus wide smoking ban is absurd and unnecessary. Pushing smokers farther from doorways is fair. Any more than that is unnecessary. I choose to smoke a cigar a few times a month, I do it in an out-of-the-way location, without bothering anyone else. (Continued…)
Jeanie
posted 10/29/08 @ 9:02 PM EST
There is zero danger to anyone's health from the few wisps of smoke they may encounter outside - and no competent health authority would ever suggest otherwise. (Continued…)
Bob
posted 11/03/08 @ 1:25 AM EST
People who smoke are kinda dumb. The whole concept of inhaling smoke for fun is pretty weird. Why would you breathe in crap that naturally makes you cough, fight the urge to do so and build up a resistance to it, and then pay money to continue smoking? You might as well get used to someone kicking you in the nuts and then pay them to do it. (Continued…)
Bob
posted 11/03/08 @ 1:39 AM EST
But in the end, I still support the right to smoke, despite the inherent stupidity of smoking. Hopkins Kicks Butt can go lick my balls. I propose we ban them on the count of them being annoying and draconian nerds who are no better than angry flies that go all crazy when you try to shoo them away from your tasty steak! SWAT! SPLAT! DEAD! Muahahahah!
Jason
posted 4/23/09 @ 3:53 AM EST
I think that obviously people smoking outside the dorms should be making an effort not to blow the smoke toward the buildings. If they do that, smoke will not get into the buildings. (Continued…)
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