There has been some possible vandalism of the signs marking smoking areas on the Gorham campus. Some smoking signs and picnic tables in designated areas have been damaged or are missing.
Craig Hutchinson, vice president of Student and University Life said though there is no hard evidence, this might be connected to the changes in smoking policy. USM Police is investigating the damage.
“Some students have been vandalizing smoking signs and posters in designated areas for smokers on Gorham campus. We have no suspects so far,” said USM Police Detective Sergeant Ron Saindon.
Alison Dean, chair of the Tobacco Policy Committee, said this year USM started a new “Life is Fair” campaign, respecting the rights of smokers and non-smokers.
Not all students agree. Tamer Omari, an industrial technology sophomore, said the University is violating the rights of smokers and prefers to have those designated areas inside the buildings. “I obey the policy and do not smoke inside the buildings, of course, but smoking only in specific areas is as difficult as keeping 50 foot distance. It is getting colder and colder every day, and it is not fair that we have to stand outside and get frozen in order to smoke,” said Omari.
Sarah Yakawonis thinks this new policy is “at least better, as maintaining 50 foot perimeter was confusing sometimes,” she said. “I smoke in designated areas, but when the class starts I walk to the building with a cigarette in my hand.”
USM overhauled its tobacco use policy this year, requiring those who smoke to do so in designated areas. Outdoor smoking areas have been erected to replace last year’s 50 foot smoke-free perimeter around buildings.
USM’s Tobacco and smoking policy was revised on Sep. 1, 2002. It declares that “in order to protect the health, safety and comfort of University students, employees, and visitors, and consistent with state law, it is the policy of the University of Southern Maine to restrict smoking in facilities and on grounds owned, leased, or rented by the University.”
Nino Kemoklide can be contacted at [email protected]