For goodness sake let smoker's have something! They already go outside and to completely disallow something like smoking from the outdoors is wrong. Asking smokers to leave campus means time and productivity lost. -

I don't see the point of a smoking lounge in WSU buildings. The reason being is that people would be continuously going into and out of that room and the smoke from the room would be going out into the hallways and adjoining rooms. If the medical campus can prohibit smoking anywhere on its campus, why can't the rest of the University community on main campus enjoy the same clean air? Don't we have the same health concerns over here? And about smoking 25 feet from any building entrances--that's quite the joke. When it rains, snows, sleets or drizzles, nobody pays any mind to the University regulations. Folks huddle under the roof for protection from the elements, and those who work in the building I'm in have to walk through all that smoke and quite frankly, I resent it very much! - Beth

I've been employed here for 28 years and I smoke, and I've yet to have to watch ANYONE "walk through all that smoke" to enter a building, or even see hordes of people huddling under a roof for protection from the elements- they go inside! Smoking outdoors hurts no one but the smoker, it's a legal activity, and those of us who have repeatedly tried to quit but can't must already leave their building. Please don't try to create a real problem for yourself where none exists. - Patty

I tend to agree with Beth (above). But remember, all of us have the option to call WSU-PD and ask officers to enforce our university's policy (# 00-3?). Non-compliance indicate consequences. Might a posting of the policy still help? Also, perhaps our PD cadets could make random rounds and alert smokers to stay well away from the doors, and dispose of their butts properly? (Both continue to be a problem, even after all these years.) - former smoker

I strongly oppose the idea of a smoking lounge inside WSU buildings. Cigarette smoke very easily would come through the ventilation system and the door whenever it is opened, exposing people in other parts of the building to second hand smoke. I already feel exposed to too much of this walking around outside, it would be much worse inside a building. -

In my opinion, the majority of people who tend to stand near building entrances to smoke are not doing so out of bad intent, but rather out of ignorance to the 25 foot policy (I am unaware of any signs). Cultural differences may play into it as well. I find that many students who stand close to the doors are International Students. I agree that cigarette butt litter can be an issue as well, but only when there is no appropriate receptacle present. - Casey

I am satisfied with the current policy and rarely experience any problems from people smoking near buildings. I am in full support of the university banning smoking inside campus buildings and vehicles (as it does now), which means I do not approve a smoking louges. But I do not think the university has the right to ban smoking outdoors. The current policy already makes it pretty inconvenient to smoke and I think it is unfair to force smokers to leave campus entirely. - LMW (non-smoker)

I disagree with the nonsmoker above who thinks it unfair to force smokers to leave campus. Smoking is a great drudgery to nonsmokers, and as such places an unnecessary burden on the development (or enhancement) and enrichment of campus life as a whole. Therefore, unequivocally, smoking should be banned in campus lounges, as well as on the campus itself. - Grad. Student. - Grad-Student

I would prefer that smoking be altogether banned from campus, both indoors and out. I think those who smoke are not aware that even outdoors the smoke from cigarettes is very noticable and offensive to non smokers, even at a distance. I can be 50 feet or further from someone who is smoking and if I happen to be downwind, I still get a big wiff of smoke. I don't know if the harmful chemicals do or do not travel that far, but at the very least the smell is very offensive and I prefer not to take any chances with my health. In addition, many smokers do not properly dispose of their cigarrette butts which makes the campus look very run down and unattractive. - Non-Smoker

Ban drama queens that get so upset over a whiff of smoke that they want to scream for the cops. Grow up! - Smoker

Why should smokers get to spend their working time standing around outside smoking? Should non-smokers get time to use as they want? Smoking is not just a smokers concern it affects everyone. It is proven to cause health problems and therefore it should be restricted to a smoker's personal space - house, car. - Non-smoker

I agree with the nonsmoker above. Second hand smoke is very invasive; As a nonsmoker I don't need to inhale cigarette smoke (with its offensive smell) from indoor or outdoor smokers. It is an unnecessary injury to my health/well-being as well as that of others; not to mention, I hate the fact that cigarette smoke smell overwhelms me, gets attached to my clothing and gives it a rancid (noxious) smell, when I don't even smoke. What's sad is that there's no way to combat that with smokers all around, making nonsmokers completely helpless. That is grossly unfair. And based on my observation, smokers on campus do not care about nonsmokers; they seem to think that everyone else smokes or that no one minds the unwelcome fumes. Thus, in the interest of everyone, smoking should not be allowed in campus buildings, and ought to be banned outdoors as well. - Concerned Nonsmoker

I do not see anyone suggesting we should scream for the cops over a whiff of smoke. Someone did suggest calling them if smokers are in violation of the current policy. I do not see why it is considered "being a drama queen" to want the current policy enforced. It is a proven fact that second hand smoke can have a harmful effect, and being told to “grow up” tends to reinforce my opinion that smokers don’t care about the effect they may have on others. If smokers were more conscientious about following the current policy and properly disposing of their cigarette butts, then I would not be so strongly opposed to smoking on campus, however the way the current situation is, I feel that a complete ban would be more likely to actually protect non-smokers since the current policy tends to be ignored/overlooked. - Staff

For goodness sakes, no one wants smokers to leave campus. We love them. We just want them to stop smoking on campus. - Unconcerned non-smoker

"Smoking outdoors hurts no one but the smoker" As an asthmatic I can tell you this statement is untrue. Even breathing in that little bit of smoke when walking past a smoker outside a building is irritating to my lungs. - JP

Of course smokers don't think smoking is a problem - they have no idea how offensive it is to a non-smoker because they are desensitized to the smell and in some cases their sense of smell is probably actually damaged from all the smoke. I don't see anyone advocating for the rights of the unshowered to parade their body odor all around. Sitting in a meeting next to someone who was just outside smoking is equally as painful. Y'all reek and y'all are fighting to stay that way? Ew. - Staff

Personally, I think smoking shouldn't be allowed in any public place, including college campuses. If smokers want to smoke in the privacy of their own home where it won't affect others, fine, that is their choice, but anywhere that is public should be smoke free. - M.R.

I bet the smokers would feel it was a violation of their rights if non-smokers were flinging water out of water bottles all over campus, especially at building entrances, and they had to walk through it. And the water wouldn't even be hazardous to their health like the second-hand smoke is. - non-smoker

I have to agree that smokers probably don't realize how strong the smell can be on their clothes when they come in from smoking. I don't say this to be offensive, but truly the smell can be very strong and disagreeable. - Employee

To the non-smoker above who said, "Why should smokers get to spend their working time standing around outside smoking?", think about how much more time it's going to take them to leave campus or walk all the way to their car ('cause we all you have to park far away on a university campus) to smoke. I have never smoked, I hate smoking and I do not condone smoking, but I also believe that it's a choice people make and smokers have rights too, and to expect them to either go several hours without smoking or completely leave campus (which cuts even moreso into their working time) is unfair. - LMW

Unlike Patty, I've been employed here for 19 years and I don't smoke, and see people have to "walk through all that smoke" to enter a building all the time regardless the weather. (My favorite was the group that used to huddle at the Prentise Cancer Center building door before SOM banned all amoking.) It does not take "hordes" of smokers to contaminate the air in a doorway. And the smell and butts remain after the smokers have left. Besides the smokers, smoking -- indoors or out -- also "hurts" the friends, families and co-corkers, of smokers. Especially those who have tried but have not yet been able to quit. The fiction that this "legal activity" has consequences only for smokers was long-ago lost all credence. No problem predicted by smoking restrictions has ever materialized. - Failed Smoker

I support a ban on smoking on campus - indoors and out. It's a public health issue. Hopefully, WSU will take the lead in advocating for a heathy environment for students and staff and also support smokers with programs to help them comply. Good for all of us. -

As a nonsmoker, I think that those who want to banish smokers from campus should (1) find a life, and (2) learn to mind their own business. I myself do not mind a hint of tobacco smoke in the air, and suspect that the studies finding mortal damage from second-hand smoke are probably junk science, no better than the earlier studies financed by the tobacco industry that found no health risks from smoking. If the university community is unwise enough to ban all smoking on campus, the consequences will be lost productivity, some nervous and irritable employees, and a loss of talent. - A WSU economist

The last I heard, WSU was largely supported by state money. It is a fact that smokers pay $2 of state tax per pack of cigarettes. Thus, a 1 pack a day smoker pays $712/yr in state tax to be allowed to smoke (actually, if you include federal taxes, the same smoker pays close to $1100/yr in tax). In FY 2007 almost 1.1 billion dollars of state revenue came from taxes on tobacco products. Now for the opinion. I don't want a pay cut. I don't want to pay more income or property or gasoline or sales tax than I already do. I don't want to pay higher tuition. I don't want the state to further cut WSU funding. Therefore, I won't be a hypocrite and tell smokers they can't smoke outdoors on a campus their cigarette tax dollars help to support. - Employee & Former Smoker

smoking should be banned here on campus. with all of the research and education now available about how bad smoking is, not only for the smoker but also for everyone around, i cant believe people still do it! and for those who do choose to smoke, they should do it in a place it's not bothering the rest of us. first, smokers do not obey the signs posted about staying away from buildings. second, it's aweful to be walking behind someone on campus and have their smoke trail be blowing in your face! that lille "whiff of smoke" is disgusting, it sticks to our clothes and we smell it for hours and hours. smokers wouldnt notice the strong smoke smell on themselves b/c they lose both smell and taste. i can always tell when someone's a smoker, even if they havent had a cigarette for hours they still stink! i dont think it's fair non-smokers have to try and avoid the smoke on campus. -

yes, smoking should be banned at WSU. We are educated and know smoking is a health risk for everyone around. the cigarette butts scattered throughout campus and clouds of smoke you have to walk through just to get to class are a nuisance. people can come to campus, without their cigarettes! -

How about banning perfume while we're at it? The offense is similar to smoking--all you taste and smell is the perfume. Being seated next to a "perfumer" in a restaurant or movie theatre or being trapped in an elevator is a nightmare. -

How can we be considering such a thing as banning smoking from a public university campus in the heart of a city like Detroit (talk about unclean air)! There are a lot more serious things to be worried about in this world than a bit of smoke. Why are we so interested in society about letting everyone be free to make their own decision, particularly on big societal issues, but are so against a smoker's personal and even permissable decision to smoke?! - Non-smoker

In response to the comment that "smokers have rights too", what about my right to enjoy smoke free air and my right not to be exposed to harmful chemicals that can cause lung cancer? Your freedom ends where my nose begins! - non-smoker

To the person who said "As a nonsmoker, I think that those who want to banish smokers from campus should (1) find a life, and (2) learn to mind their own business" I respond by saying 1) I do have a life and I don't want it to be cut short due to second hand smoke! 2)I do mind my own business, but my own business is constantly intruded upon by other people's cigarette smoke which is not limiting itself to the smoker's business, but intruding upon mine. - -

I don't think smoking should be banned outside and agree that there are more serious concerns. I do feel smokers should be considerate by not smoking near entries and properly discarding their cigarette butts. There are many who seem to have no problem forcing some to tolerate many other lifestyles that are offensive to most. Maybe we need to simply practice a little tolerance here as well. - GC-non smoker

It is rather disconcerting to hear all the apparent less thoughtful remarks by those who are for smoking on campus. First of all, if smokers have an absolute dying need to smoke, they should do it away from campus out of other's space. Second, the comments from the WSU economist above are rather contradictory; e.g., linking the two ideas of: mortal damage from second hand smoke being junk science, and no health risks found from smoking, in a comparative format, is syntactically and contextually unsound; furthermore, I'm sure anyone like the WSU economist who doesn't mind "a hint of tobacco smoke in the air" perhaps already get enough of it off campus anyway. Third, comments made by the employee and former smoker, who speak of revenue from cigarette taxes contributing to state funding, are completely out of line. What's stopping someone else from suggesting that even if cigarette smoke is harmful and fatal, it doesn't matter, as long as the funding comes in. Fourth, I'm not sure how perfume and cigarette smoke ended up as equals. Fifth, concerning the non-smoker's comments above about people being "so against a smoker's personal and even permissible decision to smoke," it seems that some people need to be reminded that smoking in public (as on campus) is not merely personal, since the harmful effects are not contained; not to mentioned the awful smell others are asked to bear, or constantly have to put up with against their choice. - Appalled Non-Smoker

How about 'Race for the Cure' to stop smoking? Besides a complete ban on smoking on campus, it may also be nice to see such an initiative (like a sponsored race) by WSU administrators, similar to the one to held around the end of May, 2009. In the meanwhile the following WSU anouncement should be a source of help:

Concerning Smoking Cessation - We’re pleased to announce an important health initiative for our employees. University Pharmacy, as part of the Wellness Warriors program, will launch an Employee Support Initiative for smoking. For those of you who smoke and have either expressed an interest in quitting or have tried in the past to quit – there has never been a better time. We’re ready to help you in your efforts. We offer free counseling from the trained smoking cessation pharmacists from University Pharmacy. For those interested in quitting smoking, the pharmacy will be providing the first box of NicoDerm patch, Nicorette gum or Commit lozenge free of charge. There are also smoking cessation awareness meetings the second Tuesday of every month.

For more information about smoking cessation, or to schedule an appointment with University Pharmacy, please contact Maria Young at (313)-831-2008. Hopefully, student smokers can also access this service. - Helpful Suggestion

If Patty has never walked through a cloud of smoke to get into a building she clearly doesn't work in Old Main. I rarely go to class that I don't have to walk through it. Smoking does impact the non-smoker- it's not junk science and I won't even go into the Public Health costs. However, since I have chosen to quit, please enforce the 25 foot policy and I'l let you be responsible for your own health habits. - Faculty

Please please ban smoking on campus. Second hand cigarette smoke aggravates my acid reflux and literally makes me want to throw up. I resent having to hold my breath before entering my work place 5+ days a week.... - Employee

"Why are we so interested in society about letting everyone be free to make their own decision, particularly on big societal issues, but are so against a smoker's personal and even permissable decision to smoke?!" I am not against their decision to smoke in and of itself (I disagree with it, but they can poison themselves if they want to), I am against where they choose to smoke because their personal decision to smoke doesn't just impact them, it also directly and physically impacts anyone around them while they are smoking. Everyone is free to make their own decision only if that decision doesn’t hurt other people. Society does not allow complete freedom of personal choice, that is why we have many different laws that are supposed to protect society as a whole from harmful choices of individuals. -

Holy smokes! (no pun intended) Come on people!Smoking is hazardous to one's health, as is clearly stated on every package of cancer sticks. HAZARDOUS TO ONE's HEALTH and hazardous to those of us who have to smell and breathe in the second hand smoke. It's hazardous to one's health! Put a full ban on smoking on main campus. It's impossible for smokers to intelligently defend their rights on this issue. What they do in their own homes and vehicles is their choice, but when these smokers say they also have the right to further pollute the air in Detroit that we all breathe in every day, it's completely ridiculous! End of story. - Beth

Smoking is harmful from many angles, ecological, economical, health, social, etc. Complete ban will be another incentive (read force) to smokers to quit smoking. And we love the smokers, but not their smoking habit [Hate the sin, not the sinner] While second hand smoke is an issue, now studies say something even further about third hand smoke - Read articles below or google for "third hand smoke study". http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/health/research/03smoke.html http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081229105037.htm - Non-smoker

If the current policy of 25 feet away from an entrance isn't enforced then what good does a ban do? If smokers can go to their cars, how does that help the smell of someone next to you in a meeting? And doesn't that just mean the parking structures will be filled with smoke when the smokers step out of their cars? I've got nothing against a ban but I don't think it solves all of these complaints... -

Nicotene is a drug and causes addiction. Non-smokers should not have to endure your drug of choice. I don't know why it isn't banned in the first place. Cocaine is banned and there's no such thing as second-hand anything from cocaine. Smoking kills people too, is ok just because it does so slowly? I think not. There are so many smokers on Wayne State's campus that there is scarcely fresh air in some places. The Manoogian, State Hall and Towers entrances are the worst. Just because it's not illegal doesn't mean it shouldn't be and doesn't mean other people should have to suffer. I'm not against the smoker's lounge as long as the smoke doesn't seep out. -

Hey Michigan - why don't we just ban smoking in our personal cars and homes next? Hmm... maybe people should spend more time addressing real issues like making gay marriage LEGAL in all states intead of crying about smoking. - Emily

Hey Emily,.....why can't we do both? How does voicing our opinions about how smokers stink up our air and have detrimental effects on our health somehow prevent 'gay marriage'? I can say, "WSU should ban smoking on campus." and "The USA should legalize gay marriage." both. See how easy that was? Smokers can smoke in their car or house all they want. I have no problem with that because I'll never visit their stinky houses or ride with them because I don't have to. But I do have to come to work. And I shouldn't be forced to engage in their stupidity and stinkyness. The analogy with smoking here, Emily, is that I don't mind 'gay marriage' and what they do at home, I just don't want to be FORCED to participate in a gay marriage against my will. -

Everybody is entitled to their opinion but stereotyping is not acceptable. I just wanted to comment on Caseys remark that "close to the doors are International Students" can you tell who is international and who is native by looking at their face. Regardless of race/culture/gender sexual orientation, weight, height or national origin everybody should follow the university policy on smoking. Wayne State is culturally/racially diversed I am really proud to be a part of it unlike other Michigan University/colleges that claim that they are AA/EO college. - Syed

My main problem with the smokers in my building is the fact that they leave the workplace anywhere from three to six times a day for a cigarette. Can I take three to six breaks a day for a five or ten minute walk? At least that's healthy and it doesn't cause the health insurance premiums the University pays to go up. Also, I could almost gag at the smell of wet ashes and cigarette butts outside the building, and by the way smokers - you stink. Just saying..... - Ruth

Reading these comments, I'm positively SURE that I will never see any one of you outraged non-smokers in Lefty's, Circa Saloon, any one of Detroit's casinos, or any other bar for that matter - the threat of second hand smoke is just too much to bear! Just something to think about. - ; )

You are correct, Stinky McGee, you will not, nor do they derive ANY income from me. However, the Red Robin and the Carabba's Italian Grill near me that went non-smoking do. They are always busy. California banned smoking in resteraunts and they didn't all go bankrupt and flee the state. In fact, I had to wait for tables when I was there. Of course, these statements and yours are totally irrelevant to the discussion of WSU. (It isn't a bar, ya know) People don't have to go into Lefty's, but they do have to go into WSU for a degree or a paycheck. It would be swell to be able to do so without gagging, stinking, or getting cancer. Gun owners can shoot all they want at the gun range, but I shouldn't have to dodge bullets to get into my building. -

There are two things that have not been mentioned here: 1. Smoking is legal! My drug of choice (and I am one who follows the rules and tries hard to be polite about it too) is not on the level of Cocaine but rather on the level of alcohol. I don't drink, does that give me the right to tell you you can't? 2. This campus is public property. Last time I checked, public property was open to use by everyone with very few restrictions. To the man who said the reports of secondhand smoke are junk science, you're right, they are. We live in a city so polluted that if you work at Rouge Steel, the company repaints your car on a yearly basis because of the damage caused by pollution. Until someone can figure out a way to eliminate all outside factors from the study of secondhand smoke, there is NO way to say with any scientific accuracy that secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous. This is especially true in situations where the parts per million are as low as they would be outdoors. You don't have to come into my smoky apartment, but don't infringe on my civil rights either. -

Oh yeah, Wayne State done with safety of the campus now trying to kick smokers out of the campus. Don't you guys receive bunch of e-mails everyday about safety issues on and around campus. Most of the non smokers I bet smoke marijuana and etc. Then there should be drug testing for all. Also I don't have a car, but those non smokers I bet have cars who pollutes the air, I don't want to breathe their cars' smoke! What you gonna do, ban the cars also. Get over it and move on better and more important subjects - A Grad Student

A solution to all the smokers 'huddled' around the doors of the building would be to build a covered area away from the buildings and heavy pedestrian traffic. Perhaps more 'butt' receptacles are needed around campus to keep the litter off the ground. Perhaps a $2/pack tax should also be applied to other bad things that people do...like fast food. One might say that fat people and fast food places have caused the epidemic obesity that America is facing and all my taxes are going to pay for there medical care! Perhaps we SHOULD enforce the 25 foot rule, by putting obnoxious lines around the building so anyone caught smoking inside the line can be fined by the police. It is so unfair and unsafe that people speed on campus we should have cameras that send speeding tickets to all those stupid drivers that don't stop for pedestrians. Hey Appalled Non-Smoker with your 5 points - life is not fair. EVERYONE has a vice and the path to hell is paved with good intentions. - SS

I think thank Wayne State should ban smoking on campus. Smoking can cause fires in the many buildings on campus. Smoking endangers everyones health also. Smoking also causes people to hang out. I am a student that has heart and lung failure and smokers near me causes me not to be albe to breathe. Smoking costs Wayne State a lot of money. Probably the cost of classes could go down if smoking was elminated on campus. - Shawna Rumpa

Yeah, I can smell smokers - so what? I can likely smell you, too. I can often smell what you're eating. Sometimes I can even hear your radio. Part of being in a society is learning that there are other people in it, not just you, and that they have rights too. I don't smoke, but I find self-centered people who want me to run my life for their benefit more annoying than I find smokers. The smokers at least know that they're doing something annoying; the people who want the world to revolve around themselves don't even know I exist. - Paul

No, let them smoke wherever they want. I hate smoke but let's face it, The air polution in detroit is far more serious of a problem. -