Smokers, say goodbye by 2015 to the smoking-permitted stations located throughout IVCC.
On Aug. 17, Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation banning smoking in both indoor and outdoor spaces at all Illinois state schools. This act is a part of his plan to improve the health and comfort of all people in communities across the state.
Quinn stated, “Illinois’ college students shouldn’t be subject to unwanted cigarette smoke on the campuses they call home. We want all schools to be healthy, clean and productive places of learning for Illinois’ bright young minds. This new law will improve the health of our students and encourage healthier lifestyles after college graduation.”
If you smoke e-cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco, you are not entirely in luck. Quinn also signed legislation restricting the display of e-cigarettes and other alternative nicotine products.
But do not worry, there are exceptions to the law which include smoking allowed in privately owned vehicles and activities allowed under the Federal American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
“The act will take effect July 1 of next year, but by Dec. 31, 2014 IVCC will be responsible for establishing a community task force to coordinate the implement of the act,” President Jerry Corcoran stated. “We [the administrative team] all agreed that it will be important to have the ‘voice’ of our students be heard, thus, soon we will be reaching out to Professor Cory Tomasson and the Student Government Association for assistance in selecting students to serve on the task force.”
Illinois health officials are applauding the act. Illinois Department of Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck said, “Smoke-free campuses make it more difficult for students and staff to smoke, thereby decreasing the number of people who smoke, and reducing
the number of people who start.”
Details as to how the task force and the security staff at IVCC will be implementing the law are still in the works, but IVCC’s policy will be in compliance with the State of Illinois smokefree campus act.