LETTER: Don’t be so closed-minded
To the editor:
As I am walking into the doors of the TSC I frequently pass by rude, inconsiderate people smoking cigarettes. I don’t like it! I’m worried that I will get sick from the second-hand smoke that they pass on to me. The University should ban smoking across campus for the health and safety of everyone.
I’m sure this has offended many of you. Actually this is not how I feel, I just wanted to illustrate the closed-mindedness that many of my fellow students have.
I give those who choose to smoke a lot of regard for bearing the cold temperatures outside just so they can relax and enjoy a smoke between classes. They are constantly under attack for being a nuisance by those who pass by them. What I don’t understand is why so many non-smokers complain. Smoking is not prohibited, it is allowed on campus as it should be. The smokers that I frequently pass are always 25 feet from any entrances. They don’t go around blowing smoke others who pass by them. They mind their own business and just enjoy their smoke. They essentially do everything within their rights.
If anything the University should be more accommodating towards smokers. For example: Designate an area indoors that allows people to smoke. Like something similar to the smoking rooms that you would find in an airport. I know there have been talks about mandating smokers to use the 2nd floor balcony of the TSC. This is completely unjustified. Smokers have already been pushed outside; if someone really is bothered by second-hand smoke they are just as free to exit the TSC through the 2nd floor. Also these closed-minded individuals that I’m referring to continue to complain if they are walking around campus and a person walking in front of them lights cigarette. If you are truly bothered by this you should either: find another route to your class or just stop and put some distance between yourself and the smoker. It really isn’t that hard.
I encourage everyone to be more open-minded and tolerant of others. I’ve always believed ‘Acceptance is the key to happiness.’
Jason Schane