Dear Editor,

Recently there has been a movement at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to become a tobacco-free campus.

The WSG decided to vote against the university becoming tobacco free, even though according to the 2011 “Tobacco-Free Campus Interest Survey,” 71% of UWW students support a tobacco-free campus.

The WSG is supposed to be an organization on campus that represents the voice of the students.

I understand that making the university tobacco-free will impact smokers’ “rights,” but what about the non-smokers “rights”? Students, faculty, and staff should be able to walk through campus without having to breathe in second hand smoke.

According to ANR (Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights) 53,800 people die every year from secondhand smoke exposure.

This request is by no means asking too much.

Over 15 Wisconsin campuses have adopted a 100% tobacco-free campus, which includes UW-Stout, UW-River Falls and UW-Stevens Point.

If the University of Wisconsin Whitewater becomes tobacco-free, the campus would be a healthier and greener environment for students, faculty, and staff. I urge WSG to reconsider its position.

– Leah Schwalbach
Senior
Corporate & Health Communication