Published: May 14, 2009 09:37 pm      

No smoke on campus

The University of Central Oklahoma’s recent announcement to move toward a tobacco-free campus in 2010 is great news for the campus and the community as a whole. It shows leadership on an important health issue as well as a commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone associated with the campus.

UCO President W. Roger Webb stated in a press release that “focusing on health and wellness is an important part of the university’s mission … .”

One of the great things about the move is that it is student supported and led. The UCO Student Association endorsed the change.

As society has trended toward more awareness about the hazards of smoking, its impact on future generations hopefully will be less dramatic. One of the best ways to make sure that happens is to not set a bad example on college campuses. We applaud UCO for taking the first step in setting the right example.

Our only question is why wait on a good thing? Why wait until July 1, 2010, when the campus could make an impact on even more students by starting clean and clear in the fall.

UCO will join other state universities in this move, including Edmond’s Oklahoma Christian University.

Thank you, UCO and OC, for implementing policy that is in everyone’s best health interest.