MSU campus goes tobacco-free next month

EAST LANSING (AP) - Michigan State University students, faculty and others who want to smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products will have to go off campus to do so starting next month.

A campus-wide ban on all tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewable tobacco, vaporizers, E-cigarettes and hookahs, goes into effect Aug. 15. The Lansing State Journal reports it prohibits tobacco use in buildings, on lawns and sidewalks, even in personal vehicles on university property.

University officials say they're enacting the ban as a matter of public health.

"We want to promote the healthiest environment possible and make the statement that all tobacco use is unhealthy," said Dr. David Weismantel, MSU's university physician.

For student smokers, punishments could range from a written warning to a suspension. Complaints against employees would go through human resources,.

University police public information officer Doug Monette said officers will be talking with tobacco users initially, informing them of the new ban and helping them locate appropriate areas to smoke.

MSU student government supports the ban.

Published: Mon, Jul 25, 2016