SUNY Adirondack will ban smoking in September

QUEENSBURY Smokers at SUNY Adirondack will be snuffed out this fall.

The colleges Board of Trustees voted Thursday to move forward with a plan to become a tobacco-free campus in September 2014. The plan would prohibit using cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and even electronic cigarettes from campus.

The administration will begin implementing the policy in March and stress voluntary compliance and education rather than punishments, according to SUNY Adirondack President Kristine Duffy.

We all stand ready to take the time and compassion to make this work the best we can, she said.

Chairman Mark Bulmer said it is not up to the board to dictate how the policy is implemented.

We expect the administration to use great discretion as we go forward and make good decisions. We expect them to develop the appropriate procedures to enact this policy, he said. I think we all recognize that this a cultural shift and we have to be cognizant of that.

College officials are planning smoking cessation activities in conjunction with the Student Senate and the College Activities Office.

Student Trustee Dan Roberts said two anti-smoking speakers are already booked and seminars planned. Students are organizing other incentives such as offering discount cards for the campus coffee shop for people who quit smoking and promoting use of the fitness center.

Not everyone is happy about the policy. Student Christopher Schmidt of Queensbury spoke before the board and presented a petition with at least 150 signatures.

He said people he has talked to in opposition to the policy have stated that it infringes on the rights of smokers, especially veterans who have served their country. Some opponents said they would leave the school.

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SUNY Adirondack will ban smoking in September