Banning of e-cigarettes on College Campus

[Sane Asylum]

The banning of smoking and including ecigs in that ban is becoming very common in US colleges and universities, and it's not a great thing. These blanket bans are especially misguided in a college setting, as college is often a time for experimentation and free living, as it were. Given that these bans are often based on ignorance about the dangers and effects of ecigarettes, it seems especially wrong for learning institutions to implement such policies.

That said it might be ok to restrict areas where people can vape, so as not to create nuisances.

It does seem that most of these bans on vaping in outdoor areas are all based on ignorance. This is why I think that college students who are members here should take the advice I gave the poster about what they can do:

Go to the school newspaper. Give them the true facts. If you want to get the word out, there's no other better venue.

 

[Robino1]

Second hand smoke as far as smokers is a real concern, but we're talking about vapers here, do they link one to the other perhaps, but that has nothing to do with what we're talking about. They banned it for whatever reason that may be. They don't want you to do it on their property, ok just let it go. Fighting for your right to vape (in public) is one thing. Making everyone accept it on private property is another.

But is a State school public or private?

 

[JMarca]

But is a State school public or private?

It doesn't matter if it's a state school it's run by the state which is still private property, you may contribute to it (via taxation) but that doesn't give you any rights to dictate or change it's policies.

 

[DC2]

The ANTZ don't have anything to do with this.

The ANTZ have everything to do with this.

Indirectly, through their decades long propaganda campaigns.
And directly, through their involvement in the various "smoke-free campus" initiatives.

Sure, there is more to it than that, but to say the ANTZ have nothing to do with it is just wrong.

 

[DC2]

What if I am walking across a state school's campus? I am not a student, and it is state property (not private property), how do they have the right to dictate my use of a PV?

That's a damn good question.

 

[Sane Asylum]

Second hand smoke as far as smokers is a real concern, but we're talking about vapers here, do they link one to the other perhaps, but that has nothing to do with what we're talking about. They banned it for whatever reason that may be. They don't want you to do it on their property, ok just let it go. Fighting for your right to vape (in public) is one thing. Making everyone accept it on private property is another.

Not necessarily. We've seen public and private universities that receive federal financial assistance (that's all as far as I know) policy's reversed legally. For example: Title IX. So, I don't think we can say that just because it's 'private' property, one can do whatever they want. Things can be challenged. Whether one wins, that's something else.

 

[JMarca]

The ANTZ have everything to do with this.

Indirectly, through their decades long propaganda campaigns.
And directly, through their involvement in the various "smoke-free campus" initiatives.

Sure, there is more to it than that, but to say the ANTZ have nothing to do with it is just wrong.

Regardless this isn't about the ANTZ or the flies. Everytime we get negative press you can't just go blame the ANTZ, maybe the e-cig community should hire a PR firm and start telling our side of the story. Again, I'm de-railing, this is about vaping on private property if they don't want it why are we still here telling them otherwise, it's private property. I wish someone would come knocking on my doorstep telling me to do something I don't want done in my house. They be swiftly met with a 12 gauge shotgun and a boot in the rear.

Sometimes even though we have the best of intentions we do nothing but harm ourselves by pushing something that is out of our control.

 

[Ryedan]

What right does a school have to issue a campus ban on e-cigarettes, when it is a legal product being used for it's intended use?

EDIT: PLEASE NOTE! This refers to ONLY campus wide bans. Not bans of classroom activities or dorm activities.

They have the right to ban anything they feel is detrimental to the students. This is done with other legal products.

This is so tough. I think a college (we're talking about colleges only and outside, correct?) has the right to make rules when use of a legal product severely affects others in a negative way. For example, someone playing extremely loud music outside. So, the question is does e cigarettes severely affect others in an open air situation. Does the vapor affect anyone more than someone's perfume, or body odor, or food odor? No. Does it medically affect others? That's the premise that those who want it banned are using but is that justifiable? According to the facts we know: no.

How does that change? Education. In the Campaigning thread, there was a question asked and I gave my answer:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-college-banned-smoking-cigarettes-ecigs.html

I think this is the crux of the issue. It would be very simple to say you should not ban anything that's legal on campus but I don't think that's a good solution or that many people would accept it.

The point is vaping is not known to be a health risk for vapers and for other people in the vicinity of vapers. All respected scientific studies so far indicate there will be no issues from vaping, but many people lump vaping in with smoking and assume that nicotine is the problem with smoking so vaping nic is obviously bad for everyone. Then there are the arguments that it normalizes smoking, that if anything is not known to be safe it could harm the children, that it will be a gateway for people to get hooked on nic and then go to cigarettes, yada, yada, ANTZ crap that unfortunately the general public is inundated with and many believe.

I think vaping on campus grounds should be allowed, but I understand where the bans are coming from. IMO education is what is needed and what will give vaping the best chance. In the meantime we should fight any proposed bans with everything we've got.

And support CASAA.

 

[JMarca]

Not necessarily. We've seen public and private universities that receive federal financial assistance (that's all as far as I know) policy's reversed legally. For example: Title IX. So, I don't think we can say that just because it's 'private' property, one can do whatever they want. Things can be challenged. Whether one wins, that's something else.

Yes sometimes you indeed can, and if you can get these rules changes more power to ya. I applaud those that do, but I'm really debating the whole issue at hand not only universities but the plethora of topics universities, hospitals, restaurants, etc... You name it there has been a thread about it.

 

[Sane Asylum]

Yes sometimes you indeed can, and if you can get these rules changes more power to ya. I applaud those that do, but I'm really debating the whole issue at hand not only universities but the plethora of topics universities, hospitals, restaurants, etc... You name it there has been a thread about it.

That's not what you stated in your OP. It was specifically college campuses. I think if you want to debate other places, then start a new thread because different criteria apply to different places. It just confuses the issue. A restaurant is not the same as a college campus.

 

[JMarca]

That's not what you stated in your OP. It was specifically college campuses. I think if you want to debate other places, then start a new thread because different criteria apply to different places. It just confuses the issue. A restaurant is not the same as a college campus.

These threads pop up everyday now... just because you vape doesn't mean you have the "right" to vape on private property.
Some schools go as far as telling students they must wear a visual ID card at all times, can they do that?

Absolutely, it's their property. You choose to come on it you must respect their rules, period. Why is this so hard for some people to understand?

My OP from page 2.

 

[Bronze]

Gov't-owned/operated colleges can legislate what they want. Private colleges are at the whim of the owners. At least this is what I think it is.

 

[DC2]

By the way, I don't know if this is off-topic or not, but just so everyone is aware of this national campaign...
National Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative

And aware that it was launched by the Department of Health and Human Services...
Tobacco-Free Campuses on the Rise

Smoke-free and tobacco-free policies are not the same, according to HHS. Smoke-free policies refer to any lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation—including cigars, cigarettes and pipes. Tobacco-free policies cover these and all other forms of tobacco (although e-cigarettes are still exempt on some campuses due to the still-evolving nature of the regulations). HHS officials point out that although some campuses are smoke-free while others are tobacco-free, the ultimate goal is for all campuses to eventually be 100 percent tobacco-free.

 

[Dusty_D]

/me applies a fresh coat of paint to the penalty box.

Have to make sure it dries before 7..

 

[JulesXsmokr]

It doesn't matter if it's a state school it's run by the state which is still private property, you may contribute to it (via taxation) but that doesn't give you any rights to dictate or change it's policies.

We have every right to challenge policies if we pay taxes on it. Are gov't. rulings the last stand..?? not in America..

 

[FlamingoTutu]

In order to want to be treated like an adult, these KIDS need to prove to everyone they can act like adults. While most kids at college are just brats, I agree that those who have served their countries have earned that respect, but then again, these soldiers have also learned to respect laws, rules and regulations. They have learned discipline and have the ability to follow orders and the law. True soldiers to not feel more entitled based on what they have done. They feel more honored and are taught to be a grade above the normal civilian, and thus are more respectful of laws and rules under which they are governed.

My father was a professor and I grew up on a college campus next door to three fraternities, one sorority and, of all things, a church. Most aren't brats, just away from home for the first time and finding their way. College should be a place of tolerance that fosters independent thinking, not an arena to spoon-feed the ideals self-appointed moralists. If you began smoking as a young kid, as many unfortunately do, and you next class is several blocks away on the other side of campus, what do you expect them to do? Health centers give away free condoms, perhaps they should also be encouraging the use of ecigs for their students too instead of forcing them to break the rules for an addiction they didn’t fully understand when they began smoking. Seriously, I was expelled from college for vaping by the bike rack?

Sorry, I wasn't trying to blast your answer at all. Hope it didn’t come off that way.

 

[CaliforniaGirl]

My father was a professor and I grew up on a college campus next door to three fraternities, one sorority and, of all things, a church. Most aren't brats, just away from home for the first time and finding their way. College should be a place of tolerance that fosters independent thinking, not an arena to spoon-feed the ideals self-appointed moralists. If you began smoking as a young kid, as many unfortunately do, and you next class is several blocks away on the other side of campus, what do you expect them to do? Health centers give away free condoms, perhaps they should also be encouraging the use of ecigs for their students too instead of forcing them to break the rules for an addiction they didn’t fully understand when they began smoking. Seriously, I was expelled from college for vaping by the bike rack?

Sorry, I wasn't trying to blast your answer at all. Hope it didn’t come off that way.

...and to be only fair, the legal and correct use of condoms should be allowed all throughout campus too just as the vapes should! It will certainly make more entertainment for visitors, anyway. And we old folks can use all the amusement we can get. I mean, seeing as we can't get it for ourselves.

Sorry...had to.

I hope Dusty doesn't throw me in that box.

 

[InTheClouds]

Since students with loans and/or parents pay for the student to attend college, thus financially supporting said institution I believe that those students who wish to vape should be allowed to vape on campus in dorm rooms or outdoors, but not in class.

 

[Dusty_D]

Ok, so general consensus is that vaping should be allowed everywhere except in class. Is that correct?!

It's 7 PM. Should I close the thread now?!

 

[FlamingoTutu]

...and to be only fair, the legal and correct use of condoms should be allowed all throughout campus too just as the vapes should! It will certainly make more entertainment for visitors, anyway. And we old folks can use all the amusement we can get. I mean, seeing as we can't get it for ourselves.

Sorry...had to.

I hope Dusty doesn't throw me in that box.

I don't know about Dusty but the lion might make a snack out of you.

Since students with loans and/or parents pay for the student to attend college, thus financially supporting said institution I believe that those students who wish to vape should be allowed to vape on campus in dorm rooms or outdoors, but not in class.

What if they share a dorm room with someone who objects to vaping?