Morning Sentinel, July 31, 2006

Editorial: KVCC right to ban smoking

Those smokers who are militant about their "rights" will object, but we stand behind the recent decision of Kennebec Valley Community College to totally ban the use of tobacco on its campuses in Fairfield and Augusta.

Inside smoking was already banned. Now, there will be no smoking anywhere on campus and tobacco will not be sold or advertised at the college.

Our news story about the ban reported, "The intent of a tobacco-free policy is to eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke, provide an environment supportive of tobacco-free lifestyles and reduce the risk of accidental fire. The policy also seeks to remove the health risks associated with expectoration from smokeless tobacco, and eliminate the environmental impact of cigarette litter."

Smoking isn't a right when practicing that right around others -- on public property -- will jeopardize their health.

Still, we don't want to give the impression that smokers are bad people.

Every ex-smoker and non-smoker has parents, children, friends or co-workers who still smoke. We don't want them to be treated like pariahs. We do hope that, for their own health, they can quit a habit that's so addicting even some people suffering for tobacco-related illness continue to smoke.

The action of the community college may seem excessive, but smoking is a life-or-death issue requiring strong and definitive actions.