OGDEN -- Representatives from Weber State University's Student Senate told the city council Tuesday night they are hopeful the school's administration will make the campus tobacco-free by 2013.
"Courageous leaders need to step up," Brady Harris, a student senator representing Weber State's Davis County campus, said following a council work session.
The city council is exploring the possible regulation of smoking in outdoor public places within Ogden and asked the Weber State Student Senate leaders to provide information about their anti-tobacco initiative.
Efforts to ban tobacco at the university began as result of complaints from students about secondhand smoke and other issues arising from cigarette use, said Justin Neville, legislative vice president of the Weber State Student Association.
Students Working Against Tobacco, a nationwide coalition of college students, formed a chapter on the Weber State campus to conduct research, evaluate tobacco policies and make recommendations.
"Currently, state and federally funded college institutions in Utah are considering policies on their campuses, but none have made the leap thus far," a statement from the group says.
"We want to be the first campus that does. We care about our fellow students, faculty and staff and are willing to take a stand for changes that will benefit the university as a whole."
SWAT believes a tobacco-free policy at Weber State would accomplish the following:
SBltâÑPromote clean air and a healthy environment.
SBltâÑAssure access for those affected by exposure to secondhand smoke.
SBltâÑTeach respect for others.
SBltâÑDemonstrate leadership.
SBltâÑPrepare students for the future.
SBltâÑEliminate tacit approval of underage tobacco use.
A survey has determined that about 85 percent of Weber State students would support a campuswide tobacco ban, Neville said.
Meetings with Weber State's Faculty Senate regarding the proposal have received a mixed response, Neville said. While many faculty members oppose tobacco use, they are also concerned about infringing on the rights of smokers, he said.
If the proposal is approved by Weber State's administration, it would likely take a year to implement the tobacco ban and educate students, faculty and staff, Neville said.
The proposal also calls for smoking cessation programs to help tobacco users kick the habit.
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