Smoking ban debate can be resolved with compromise

Editor,

I know many people must be sick and tired of hearing about the possible smoking ban on campus, but I have a few thoughts to share.

First of all, I am not a smoker, but I think it would be ridiculous to try to ban smoking on campus. I used to work in a restaurant where many people smoked, and they would go crazy if they didn't get their smoke break. How would smokers react if they weren't able to smoke between classes? I think the idea is unrealistic. Students would still find ways to get their smoke fix whether it's hiding behind a tree or building at night or some other drastic measure.

Smoking will be present on campus whether or not the ban is enforced. For people who absolutely can't stand smoke, or for people who have asthma, what about a compromise? The best place to ban smoking would be around the SUB area where many people eat outside. That would be realistic.

In the meantime, let smokers do what they need to do. They should be responsible and mature enough to know not to blow smoke near anyone else. And if you're walking behind someone who's smoking, and they don't see you, simply just move out of the way if it's too difficult to handle.

Desiree Polonis

UNM student