Thoughts on a Tobacco Free Campus at UW Oshkosh

Since 2012, UW Oshkosh has been exploring the idea of a tobacco free campus.

Now is the time for community members to have their say on the matter.

The university has a page, where people can follow a link to the "current policy draft", which isn't the latest draft I've seen at shared governance meetings, but nevertheless, people may leave comments and suggestions in the online form at the bottom.

Our campus has bigger problems to address, and better things to spend money on than door signs and more enforcement.

No doubt, if the policy passes, there will be issues with people smoking inside and outside of the buildings, anyway, and property damage, and community neighbors disgruntled.

If we can't afford to enforce the policy, then let it be a resolution for the time being. Let people sign a pledge to join the initiative. We can measure our numbers over time, continue to educate, and watch the numbers grow as buy-in increases.

This is a positive alternative, a compromise that works in the direction of the initiative, treats all of our community members with respect, and prioritizes maintaining program quality, facilities, and services during the budget crisis.

- Heidi Frey, Local 579 President

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