The Student Senate, of SXC has passed a proposed smoking ban for Saint Xavier University, and passed resolution has now been shared with Saint Xavier’s administration.
The ban itself has received mixed reviews from students on campus, however the resolution has yet to be approved by administration.
The resolution itself made available to administration is currently not viewable to the general public at this time according to Swanson.
The resolution, if passed will make the entire Chicago Campus a smoke free environment. Rules on enforcement of the policy though have not been fully hashed out according to Saint Xavier Council Vice President Brandon Swanson.
Swanson, speaking on behalf of the SXC, also stated that a decision to levy penalties or fines on students who broke the rule are to be decided by administration as well.
When asked on what has led to the smoking ban being brought to Saint Xavier’s administration, Swanson cited a Survey Monkey study of over 400 students that reported 67% of the campus community wanted a smoke free campus.
The survey was conducted at the campus diner and was allowed to be taken by students and faculty who wished to voice their views in the survey. This survey eventually became the main proponent of the smoking ban.
Swanson remarked that, “Smoking has always been a concern that has been brought to the attention of Student Government. We then decided to do some scientific polling to better understand the smoking culture on campus. This is what pushed us to put forward a resolution.”
With a poll stating the campus has supported the resolution, many smokers on campus have also expressed their displeasure on the measure.
One student smoker who wished to speak on the condition of anonymity stated, “I feel it is unfair that this measure is getting passed, before I have had my voice heard. I am upset that I am losing one of my freedoms on this campus.”
Another student, Senior Sociology major Robert Furlan stated, “If I can legally buy cigarettes then I should be allowed to smoke them on campus.”
Though even with this vocal opposition, Swanson fully expects administration to pass the measure in due time.
Though to get to this point of passing the proposed ban some time is still needed, however Swanson pointed out that all essential administrative figures were notified of the measure including the University President and Provost.
As of now, the campus remains a smoking environment outdoors and many students continue to smoke in areas such as in front of the McGuire Hall entrance to the Warde Academic Center and the School of Education entrance.
Though with a fall campus ban in place these areas will no longer be safe havens for students who smoke.
Swanson believes the student body has made its voice heard on the issue and has said that, “It was the student voice that led us to the point we are at today with the resolution.”
With scientific polls calculated and administration informed, there is now only deliberation left by administration.
This process of deliberating the ban is ongoing and will reach its resolution in time, but until then, many smokers on campus are left to wonder if they will continue to be allowed to smoke in the near future.
As of this team no organized opposition has formed to combat the effort by the SXC to ban smoking on campus.
There also has been no decision made over whether the proposed ban would effect the Orland Park or Gilbert campuses.
Swanson’s statements made for this news story are based on the view of the SXC board and do not personally reflect his own views on the smoking ban.
The moment any new information on the smoking ban becomes available, or if the ban is passed the Xavierite will be reporting on the issue.
Jake Alleruzzo
Senior News Editor
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