Colleges may ban smoking

DAYTON (WDTN) - Ohio colleges are one step closer to being smoke-free.

On Monday, the State Board of Regents approved a resolution that will make students and teachers go off campus to light up.

2 NEWS caught up with the Wright State and Ohio State University Presidents and asked them about the ban.

Both Gordon Gee and David Hopkins said it is something they have been talking about on their campuses and will take seriously.

Even though the Board of Regents supported the ban, each school will now be able to decide whether or not to ban tobacco on campus.

The Ohio Department of Health says almost 40 percent of college-aged smokers either began smoking or became a regular smoker after starting college.

President Gee said is health is a big reason why he supports an outright ban.


"I think that is where we ought to be," said Gee. "Our focus really is on the wellness of our faculty, staff and students. So, an opportunity to do that is welcome by me".

At least seven Ohio campuses have enacted policies banning the sale of cigarettes and smoking anywhere on campus including Miami University, Hocking College, and the Health Sciences Campus at the University of Toledo.  

The resolution will now be sent to each board of trustees for consideration.