Campus Connection

A new University of Maryland, Baltimore policy has all the smokers wondering where they will go, and it has me wondering where all of our civil liberties have gone. 

In addition to the previously prohibited areas, like inside buildings or within 30 feet of any building entrance, smokers are now banned from puffing away on any campus property. In a new policy issued and distributed on February 12, the University stated that “smoking on any campus plaza, courtyard, or other designated outdoor area” is now prohibited. Yes, folks, for those of you who like to suck on the cancer stick, that includes what were once designated smoking areas.

This may come as a surprise to many people, especially considering the recent anti-smoking fervor, but in the United States (and pretty much every country I am aware of) smoking is legal. That’s right. You aren’t allowed to smoke inside any public buildings anywhere in the state of Maryland, and apparently you are now banned from smoking outside as well, but it’s still legal! No one has really taken away your freedom of choice (yet).

So where will the smokers go to get their nicotine fix? According to the new policy issued by the University, “Smokers are encouraged to stop smoking.” That’s correct, folks. The University of Maryland is encouraging employees and students to stop smoking. Trust big brother; it’s for your own good!

Now, personally, I am a nonsmoker. I find the habit pretty disgusting, in addition to being costly and unhealthy. However, like many enthusiastic supporters of the Constitution before me, I believe that people have a right to make choices that affect their own lives. (That includes partaking in alcohol, for any of you snarky hypocrites who should be attending AA but vehemently oppose smoking rights.) Apparently, the University administration disagrees.

So, my non-fellow smokers, suck down those last few sweet puffs before the cigarette police come for you and brace yourselves for the days of “Demolition Man” (minus the cool laser guns and insanely funny Wesley Snipes).

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