Why is Northeastern considering a smoke-free policy?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the adverse health effects from cigarette smoking account for an estimated 443,000 deaths, or about 20% of all U.S. deaths. In addition to causing harm to the smoker, second-hand smoke has been shown to be harmful to others who are in the vicinity of smokers. Many colleges and universities around the country have already adopted a smoke-free policy to further reduce smoking and the risks associated with it. Smoking bans in locations such as restaurants and workplaces have been shown to be effective in reducing smoking.
What does a smoke-free campus mean?
A smoke-free policy at Northeastern could mean that smoking would not be allowed on any university property. The policy would not extend to publically owned spaces that abut campus, such as sidewalks and streets.
What is the timeframe for this initiative?
A public input process will get underway in early 2013, including small group meetings and public forums. It is the goal of the committee to issue a report with recommendations for the university in the spring of 2013.
Is Northeastern the first college in Boston to explore a smoke-free campus?
No, several institutions in Boston have adopted smoke-free policies. Among them are Wentworth Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Harvard School of Public Health campuses, as well as the Boston University Medical campus.
What are the ways to offer input about the initiative?
Please tell us what you think: Feedback from the Northeastern community on this issue will be critical to its success. Community members may submit written comments to smokefreeinitiative@neu.edu, post a comment to the Northeastern Facebook page, or Tweet @NUSmokeFree. The Smoke-free Campus Initiative Committee members will hold or attend a number of meetings designed to elicit public input and provide information. If you'd like a Committee member to attend a meeting on campus, please write to smokefreeinitiative@neu.edu