Smokey alleys, vaped up cafeterias, turning a corner to a wave of Puff Bar clouds no more.
At the beginning of the semester, Mt. SAC became a smoke-free campus.
After years of designated smoking areas, the school has shut down these areas. It now becomes the 65th community college in the state to become a “Fresh Air Campus.”
According to a Mt. SAC Newsroom statement, the use of any form of tobacco will be prohibited on campus effective August 28.
Cannabis e-vapes, not to be confused with nicotine vapes, are often used inconspicuously. Flavored nicotine vapes are no longer sold since Senate Bill 793 officially banned the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products in the state of California.
Smoking marijuana on campus has never been permitted. Even though it is legal for medicinal and recreational use, it is prohibited to smoke marijuana on campus grounds.
Mt. SAC Police and Campus Safety’s office said that the punitive actions for smoking or vaping are a $30 ticket. Subsequent infractions will have an increased fine. When asked about details, Campus Safety said that they are still working out the kinks.
The new policy is supported by students such as Joseph Fasheh, a 21-year-old political science major. “It’s good for people with bad health,” Fasheh said, “I think that smoking rules are necessary. As a smoker, I feel the punishment should be clear.”
Even though Fasheh believes in the reinforcement to deter students from smoking, he wants students to feel included and thinks the school should still have designated smoking areas.
The new policy is not appreciated by all. Yao Steven, a 20-year-old fire science student, dislikes the new policy. “I don’t feel like it’s a good idea; it feels like high school,” Steven said.
Koji Uesugi, dean of Student Services believes that the school’s health and safety rating will substantially improve. “We have gone from a D-plus grade to an A-plus with this change,” Uesugi said, “We are proud to be making this commitment to the health and safety of our community and environment.”
