Can this be true? Will UT really ban smoking on campus? What will happen if students continue to smoke?

I'm actually quite surprised at this news. Personally, I'm not a smoker. Actually, I grew up with asthma and swore to NEVER light anything and smoke after I saw the health effects it had on close family members. And I also believe that if I smoke that my lungs will drastically fail and I won't get to the hospital soon enough to be saved by the respiratory doctor.

I may be extreme, but it keeps me from endangering my lungs. But that't not UT's primary mission in contemplating a smoke-free campus. Money talks and with UT facing the loss of millions in research dollars, changes will be made very soon to keep those checks coming to UT.

And by very soon, I mean the university has until March 1 to incorporate the necessary changes to enforce a smoke-free campus. Surrounding campuses Austin Community College, Huston-Tillotson University, and Texas State all implemented a smoke-free campus last year.

Unlike the talk last year about banning firearms after the campus shooting last year, this ban looks likely to become a reality. 

Currently, UT allows smoking on campus as long as it is 20 feet away from building entrance. This current policy allows smoking at tailgating and sports events, but this will all be permitted if the ban is approved. 

Leaders hope that the ban will have a positive effect on the health of students, both primary consumers of smoking and second-hand consumers, like me. I'm that person that coughs hysterically while walking through a cloud of smoke past the tower and I fully in support of this ban. The ban will force students to quit smoking and lengthen their lifetime. Maybe not, but it's great to think that this ban may have a huge impact as extending students time on this earth.

Even though tobacco is legal after 18, and most students are 18 or over, alcohol is permitted everywhere on campus. What's the difference in getting a quick smoke in on campus and a glass of wine before a huge spanish test? This may be extreme but think about it, both are used to suppress nerves.

For now, students, faculty, and staff must wait for the final decision of the university.

For more information, check out the Daily Texan's article. 

Would you want UT to ban smoking? Tweet me @theCHANNINGshow and let me know what you think.