The Physical Environment Committee at UW-Milwaukee, which consists of only two students, passed a resolution recently that proposed banning smoking on the entire campus.

This proposal would ban all smoking in all buildings and grounds – indoors and out – by the 2004-2005 academic year.

The Faculty Senate and Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, who also sits on the PEC committee, have to approve the resolution before it will be instituted.

No student groups were involved in deciding whether this resolution should be adopted university-wide.

State statute 36.09 (5) states, “students shall have the primary responsibility for the formulation and review of policies concerning student life, services and interests.”

Passing this resolution without student input would not only be a disservice to the university community, but it also would go against the statute.

It is alarming that a committee, composed of nearly all faculty and administration, would propose this type of action without even addressing students’ opinions.

By eliminating smoking on campus, the administration would avoid some problems that come with smoking, such as litter and second-hand smoke. However, they would only be transporting the problems across the campus boundaries, which would most likely cause conflicts with business owners and residents in those neighborhoods.

Banning smoking in dormitories and common indoor areas is acceptable. However, students should still have a vote when these matters are placed on the table.

If student opinions are ignored in matters such as smoking on campus. How can we be assured that students will be asked when issues affecting all students come up.

No matter what the issues are students need to have a say.