An ellipsis, an exclamation point or a simple period. Sometimes it all comes down to punctuation.
Members of the Clean Air Project had an intense discussion Monday at the group’s first meeting of the term over how to punctuate the slogan that will appear on its T-shirts. While the choice of punctuation is not a life-or-death decision, group members agree that whether to allow smoking on campus is. Among the student group’s goals for the term is to get the word out that change is possible.
A smoke-free campus policy has not been adopted yet, but Nikki Hewlett, a student and peer health educator, says last term’s efforts to gain ASUO support in changing the policy were not fruitless. Talks with ASUO President Emily McLain urged the Clean Air Project to continue gauging a wide sampling of student opinion. This advice has motivated the Clean Air Project to continue attempting to reach students and encourage involvement.
In the coming term, the Clean Air Project will continue traditional efforts to inform students through more tabling events. The Clean Air Project is also seeking new ways to rally support and poll students through Web sites like Facebook.com and Surveymonkey.com.
The danger of second-hand smoke is a major motivation of the Clean Air Project, but members also say the litter smokers produce is environmentally unsafe and costly.
The Clean Air Project participated in the cigarette pick-up for the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout for the first time last November. University health educator Ramah Leith said 17 participants collected 4,000 cigarette butts outside the Knight Library in the 30-minute time limit and left behind piles more.
Another cigarette pick-up on Feb. 22 is planned for this term. The group also plans to pass out buttons and make T-shirts for members to increase awareness and encourage student support.
Director of health promotion Paula Staight says the right to breathe clean air takes precedence over the right to smoke, especially since students and staff have no choice in walking around campus everyday.
“It’s our workplace,” Staight said. “We have to walk outdoors. It’s part of our job.”
Staight believes a smoke-free campus may also deter students who do not smoke from starting the habit.
The idea of going smoke-free has elicited concern and even adamant opposition from some students. Despite the controversy, it’s a policy that other workplaces and campuses nationwide have adopted.
“People are always resistant to change, but more often than not people say they like the idea,” Hewlett said. “At first most people think we’re attacking smokers, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s about a healthy environment, healthy campus and clean air.”
To get involved in the campaign, attend the next meeting in the Health Center’s basement medical library on Jan. 29.