Reporter

As of Sept. 1, 2017, CSU Bakersfield glady will be joining the over 1900 university campuses that are 100 percent smoke free with open arms. Of that large number, over 1600 are 100 percent tobacco free which means the following: no cigarettes, no e-cigarettes, no cigars, no snuff, no chewing tobacco, and no vaping. No nicotine of any kind is going to be tolerated on campuses, and CSUB is adopting the same stance. The students could not be happier.

Everyone loves the freedom we have to relax and learn in whatever way we feel suites us best. No one likes being told what they can and cannot do, especially when it comes to our own bodies and health. So how does this affect student and faculty life, and is this change going to be a good one? According to The Institute on Drug Abuse for Teachers, a nicotine molecule is the same shape as an acetylcholine receptor in the brain, which is responsible for stimulating learning and memory. For those with a nicotine addiction it could help them focus and aid in learning and memory retention.

But what about those of us that have not picked up the habit? We are glad to see the campus become a smoke free environment. Most people that are not smokers are sickened by the smell and some even become nauseated at a result.. Not to mention the health risks that are associated with breathing second hand smoke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 2,500,000 non smokers have died from health complications from second hand smoke. The choices of others should not be allowed to negatively affect the health of a bystander. Not to mention the eye sore that a smoking area with nasty ashtrays and cigarette butts can be on our beautiful campus. Besides the occasional professor losing their cookies over not having a stress release, the transition of CSUB being smoke free is a welcomed change.