Marx said that while he was concerned about the health of current smokers, he did not want to subject non-smokers to the dangers of second-hand smoke. "It [the policy] makes sense for people who are affected by second-hand smoke," he said. "The costs to our society and to ourselves from cancer brought on by smoking are grave in monetary and in personal terms."
Marx said the issue was brought to his attention by a parent who asked about smoking in residential buildings during a forum on student life over Family Weekend. After admitting that he was surprised that smoking was still allowed in many dorms, Marx said he would investigate the matter.
After consulting with the College Council, Marx decided to ban indoor smoking. "I realize that not everyone will rejoice but I think it's the right thing to do," he said. "Banning smoking indoors is a pretty pervasive policy in lots of colleges and universities."
Kevin White '04 disapproves of the change because it was made without student input. "I think that it's sad that a place that's supposed to be based on dialogue can have such unilateral decision making," he said.
Marx said he believes students will comply with the decision. "Let's put the rule out there and I trust that people will respect the decision," he said.
Eliot Hellman '04 opposes the new policy because he believes it contradicts the values prominent at the College. "The notion of banning something like smoking runs contrary to everything a place like Amherst stands for," he said.
"We have substance-free housing because people know that there are other places on campus where people are allowed to smoke," said Rania Arja '06. "People who live here do so because they know that other people on campus smoke."
Under the current policy, first-year students can choose to live in smoke-free dorms, and there is also some smoke-free housing available to upperclass students. When the new policy goes into effect, any person who wants to smoke will have to do so more than 25 feet away from all buildings.
Initial student reactions ranged from dismay to support. However, some students thought they should be the ones responsible for their health. "I think it's not [Marx's] job to enforce health codes," said Liz Chiang '05. "This is slightly beyond his jurisdiction."
Other students support the policy. "I think it is a good idea," said Christina Clemente '06. "It is for health reasons and to prevent unnecessary fire alarms."
Marx also announced that health services will begin offering a smoking cessation program to students who want to take the opportunity to quit smoking. Beginning during Interterm, nicotine patches will be available for free to any students who want them.