The University of Delaware has announced that all campuses will have a smoking ban beginning this month.
The new policy, which went into effect Aug. 1, prohibits the use of all tobacco product – smoking and snuff, as well as the emerging e-cigarettes – on university property to ensure a “Tobacco-Free UD.”
The ban will apply to campuses in Newark, Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown and Lewes and came after a student-led effort.
The policy is designed to promote a healthy and safe environment for UD students, faculty, staff and guests, a university release stated.
Research findings show that use of tobacco products in general constitute health hazards and also conclude that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke causes significant health risks for nonsmokers, the release noted.
About 800 universities and colleges nationwide, including Delaware Technical Community College, have instituted tobacco-free policies.
The policy was initiated and recommended by the university’s Student Government Association and supported by the Graduate Student Government.
In conjunction with the new policy, the university told members of the campus community that it offers tobacco-cessation programs for those in need of assistance. Students can seek support through Student Wellness and Health Promotion (302-831-3457). For employees, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) (302-831-2414) will provide individual counseling, and the HealthyU Employee Wellness Program (302-831-8853) will offer group coaching sessions.
In 1995, all academic and office buildings and UD vehicles were declared smoke-free, on the recommendation of the Faculty Senate. All university-owned student housing has been smoke-free since fall 2000.
Delaware was a pioneer in the area of smoke-free areas, with legislation in the previous decade that banned smoking in public indoor settings, including casinos. Bans have also spread to town beaches and board walks, with efforts under way to ban smoking at fire halls and social clubs. The organizations were able to gain exemptions, while bars and restaurants were unable to do so.
Smoking bans have been reversed in New Jersey casinos, which attract a larger-than normal percentage of of smokers and face competition from neighboring statements. No talk of loosening the ban in Delaware casinos has surfaced, despite deteriorating financial results.
Hospital systems in Delaware have also adopted such bans, even in parked cars or areas away from buildings. The bans have become less controversial as the overall percentage of smokers has declined and the price of tobacco products has increased.
