Despite decades of research, millions of deaths and continually surging cancer rates among tobacco smokers, Bakersfield College has yet to adopt a less-toxic campus smoking policy. This lack of action is hurting the lungs of BC students and should be rectified immediately.
Talking about the health hazards of cigarettes and other forms of the drug nicotine isn’t anything new for school administrators, student leaders and local heath care officials. Numerous attempts by several parties involved over the past few years have come to light among the student population but have never resulted in the actual implementation of a rigorous anti-smoking policy.
The most constructive action we have seen in the past few semesters is the administration’s move toward the compliance of state health law. Requiring signs that state the safe distance from windows and doorways that must be maintained by anyone smoking is one example of how the school has taken on such a stink-infested problem.
Starting in the Spring of 2010, anti-smoking posters have been placed in the restrooms of the Campus Center in an effort headed by the BC Student Government Association.
Unfortunately, no additional enforcement is playing out on our campus. Everyday students can be witness to the blatant violation of these impact-lacking state and institutional policies.
This ongoing social health issue has a checkered past including involvement with outside organizations attempting to help the school.
In the Fall of 2005, the SGA was working in connection with the Kern County Health Department to create designated smoking areas on campus. This model is very popular and implemented widely among campuses in the California Community College system.
In an article published in Feb. 19, 2009 issue of The Renegade Rip, KCPHD official Nsele Nsuangani is quoted as saying, “This has been an ongoing struggle because the SGA changes every school year, and the previous SGA could not come to a consensus and pass the proposal.”
According to current SGA president Kristi Newsom, the district has yet to take any action on the recommendations and survey results of a poll taken during the Spring 2009 elections.
“They’re going to try again,” Newsom said about the intentions of the incoming SGA officers.
Newsom reaffirmed that any policy would need to be approved by the Kern Community College District.
Newsom is quoted in an article of the September 9, 2009 issue of The Renegade Rip as saying, “There will be signs. We’ll take out the ashtrays. But our recommendations on enforcement must go through the district first.”
As the 2009-2010 school year comes to a close, another year has passed with no action on creating a healthier learning environment on campus. Cigarette butt canisters are still found throughout the campus and Campus Center.
We advocate that our school officials do the right thing. The implementation of designated smoking areas will reduce litter and decrease adverse health effects associated with second-hand smoke.
Stop tossing blame around like a hot potato and take action.