Smoke-Free Campuses from Sea to Shining Sea
January 12, 2012
All ten campuses of the University of California will be completely tobacco-free within the next two years, while on the other coast Nova Southeastern University is joining the University of Florida and other Sunshine State campuses in going smoke-free.
University of California President Mark G. Yudof this week directed chancellors to implement tobacco-free policies on their campuses within the next 24 months. Key elements include prohibiting all tobacco use in both indoor and outdoor spaces and stopping the sale and advertising of tobacco products in University-owned and occupied buildings.
“As a national leader in healthcare and environmental practices, the University of California is ready to demonstrate leadership in reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke by creating a tobacco-free environment on all our campuses,” Yudof wrote. “Offering a smoke-free environment will contribute positively to the health and well-being of all UC students, faculty, staff, and our patients and visitors.”
In Florida, Nova Southeastern on July 1 will join at least 13 other campuses, including the University of Florida, Florida International University and the University of Central Florida, that are already smoke-free. About 75 percent of NSU students support the policy, according to a university survey.
There are now at least 639 smoke-free campuses across the country, according to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights.
These policies protect the health of students and university employees and help reduce tobacco use among a population that is heavily targeted by the tobacco industry.