The Fall 2017 semester ushers in a new era at Bakersfield College: a tobacco-free environment.
In compliance with the Kern Community College District Policy AP 3570, the use or sale of all tobacco products will be prohibited throughout campus, including all property and in all indoor and outdoor spaces owned, leased, licensed or otherwise controlled by Bakersfield College, as well as in all district-owned vehicles.
The new policy has the support of all levels of Bakersfield College governance, including the Bakersfield College Student Government Association.
All Tobacco Products Prohibited
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death, and studies have long shown the negative impact on health for primary users as well as secondary (exposure to smoke or vapor) and even tertiary (residue on clothing). There is no minimum amount of tobacco exposure that is deemed safe for anyone. “Wellness is a core value for our College and, as such, we are really excited that we are moving to a tobacco free environment. We know that providing a healthy environment for students will enable them to be more successful in the educational endeavors,” states Bakersfield College President, Sonya Christian. Prohibited items include cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, e-cigarettes, vape, hookah, snuff, and chew.
Enforcement on Campus
Beginning Fall 2017 semester, public safety personnel and any member of the campus community will be encouraged to provide non-judgmental, non-punitive, and compassionate enforcement of the tobacco free policy to violators. In addition, violators will receive a “Quit Kit” that includes a link to the Bakersfield College Tobacco-Free website and Student Health Center. With this new policy, Bakersfield College joins the number of college campuses such as the California State University system and University of California system that do not allow tobacco products. Public schools K-12 are also tobacco free environments.
For more information regarding the Tobacco Free policy, visit the Student Health Center Tobacco Free BC website at www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/tobaccofree.
courtesy Bakersfield College, Heise Media Group
