June 2010 Editorial

LCC Will be Tobacco Free

Labette Community College provides quality learning opportunities in a supportive environment for success in a changing world. Our mission statement is the core which drives many of the new advances in initiatives on campus for our students, staff, and communities in which we live and work.

Whether it is an additional class added to the course list for the convenience of our students, lighting for additional security, recycling initiatives for a greener community, or serving the students of Cherokee County with the Cherokee Campus. Our students are the core of the campus-community. They are the motivation which drives these initiatives to be put in place to make their educational experience the best possible experience.

Many businesses, institutions, and other colleges and universities already have a tobacco free policy in place. In Kansas, Butler Community College and Kansas Wesleyan University are already tobacco free campuses.

Labette Community College recognizes scientific evidence, which indicates that the use of tobacco products is harmful to the health of the user.  Scientific evidence also shows that smoking of tobacco products is known to be harmful to others who, due to close proximity with smokers, become “passive smokers” without choice.  In addition, use of smokeless tobacco products creates cleanliness and sanitary problems.  With the Kansas Indoor  Clean Air Act,KSA 21-4010 July 1, 2010, the campus is a public place and therefore required to be smoke free.

Labette Community College often uses the term “Community is our Middle Name”. We strive to hold true to this slogan by being an active participant in many communities through volunteerism, advocacy in education, and providing a safe and healthy learning environment.  LCC is becoming completely tobacco free on campus for the health of our staff, students, community, and environment. LCC has been exploring the tobacco free option over the last five years and we think it is time to make our campus tobacco free.

LCC respects all individuals and their rights to use tobacco products, but is requesting all students, employees, and guests of the college to respect the policy of no tobacco on campus. This policy will become effective on July 1, 2010. Thank you for understanding, cooperation and compliance with this important policy for respect of individuals and the environment in efforts to provide the healthiest learning atmosphere possible.