Q: Is it a violation of civil rights to prohibit smoking on campus?

A: No. Your college Board of Education and administration have the authority to govern the use of college property and regulate its use. There is no legal "right to smoke". Going tobacco-free helps everyone by eliminating a known carcinogen and health hazard from campus. Having a tobacco-free environment policy also moves the campus into greater alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act because of the risks of secondhand smoke to some people with certain disabilities. If anything, there's a right to breathe!

Q: Do tobacco-free policies really work?

A: Yes. Colleges have found that civility and respect for others are the foundation for a successful tobacco-free campus initiative. These policies require some adjustment by those who choose to use tobacco, but once a policy is put into place smokers generally respect the right of their fellow members of the campus community to breathe smoke-free air.

Q: Why not provide a place for people to smoke on campus?

A: Colleges have learned that designated smoking area policies are not effective in protecting non-smokers from drifting secondhand smoke. Additionally, colleges have found that going completely tobacco-free is easier to implement and enforce, and is the most cost-effective because it does not require maintenance of smoking areas or ongoing clean-up of tobacco-related litter.

Q: Do I have to quit using tobacco if my college goes tobacco-free?

A: No. Your college cannot force you to quit using tobacco, however, choosing to stop using tobacco products will make you and those around you healthier. You can call the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line for help. Check out the Resources page for links to additional resources.