September 10, 2012   At hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities students and staff who smoke are targets in the growing war on tobacco. Following examples set by cities and states, 774 campuses have strictly limited smoking areas.  More than 560 have banned tobacco all together. ”...they’re not saying you can’t ever smoke, what they’re saying is you can’t smoke in ways that harm other people and that’s why these campus policies apply to indoors and outdoors,” said Cynthia Hallett of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Right.

While no one wants to breathe unhealthy air, many students argue lighting up helps them relax, or focus.  Even many non-smokers say all-out bans go too far. ”... a smoking ban really represents another in a long line of unnecessary restrictions on the peaceful activities of individuals and I think that’s something that should just not be tolerated in a free society.” This year alone, more than 125 campuses have snuffed out smoking, including Sonoma State University, north of San Francisco. “I think that we are part of society and we are following a positive trend toward a healthier life,” said Jowell Laguerre of Solano Community College. California’s public universities will be smoke-free by 2014.  Tobacco products can’t be used, sold or advertised on campus.  Similar measures are being implemented at universities in New York, Missouri, Ohio and Maryland.

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http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/19496954/2012/09/09/colleges-becoming-major-battleground-in-war-on-tobacco