The University is contemplating amending its policy on smoking restrictions to include those areas within 15 feet of the entrances and exits and fresh air vents of all NYU buildings.
We are looking for your feedback.
Background
In general, states, municipalities, businesses, and institutions have demonstrated increased concern about the rights of non-smokers and the health effects of smoking, and have taken action accordingly. New York City law banned indoor smoking in non-residential facilities in 2002. NYU banned smoking in its residence halls in the fall of 2006, and banned smoking in residence hall courtyards this year.
The proposal to amend NYU's policy to prohibit smoking within 15 feet of doorways and vents supplying outside air to building air conditioning systems is based on several factors.
First, last April, the NYU College of Dentistry drafted its own policy because of its involvement as a New York State funded Tobacco Cessation Center. This led us to think more broadly: that we should avoid having inconsistent practices across facilities, and so we should consider applying the new restrictions University-wide.
Additionally, there were incidents last spring and since that increased interest in the proposal to apply the University's smoking prohibition policy to outdoor spaces:
- The University's Office of Environmental and Health Services evaluated an office in Shimkin Hall in which there was a strong presence of cigarette smoke, ultimately concluding that the likely cause was smoking in Schwartz Plaza near an air vent leading to the office;
- The University became aware of complaints regarding cigarette smoke in front of Bobst Library, and the disposal of a lit cigarette butt caused a trash can fire over the summer in one of the Bobst stairwells;
- Student Housing had received complaints about smoking in courtyards at residence halls resulting in the smell of smoke inside rooms, and this semester began prohibiting smoking in residence hall courtyards.
Since last spring, there have been further developments. On August 13th, Mayor Bloomberg signed into law a revision of the New York City Administrative Code that prohibits "hospitals" (including diagnostic and treatment centers such as NYU College of Dentistry) from allowing smoking within fifteen feet of any entrance to or exit from hospital grounds. This new regulation goes into effect on November 13th at the NYU College of Dentistry.
The Proposal
The University is proposing the following:
To amend the University's current restrictions on smoking to prohibit additionally all smoking within 15 feet of the entrances, exits and air vents of University buildings.
Feedback
Though we think this is a modest change in our existing policy and one that contributes to the health and well-being of the University community, we want to solicit the feedback of the NYU community as we contemplate making it.
Please use the form below to comment and offer feedback Wednesday, October 28th, to Friday, November 13th, 2009.
We appreciate your attention and your input.
Comments Form
The comment period has expired. Please return to view the final report in December 2009.