Ball State considers banning outdoor smoking

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MUNCIE – Ball State University trustees are considering whether to ban all outdoor smoking on the school’s Muncie campus.

The Star Press reports a task force recommended the move at a trustees meeting Friday. Smoking has been banned inside all the campus buildings since 1998, and limited to designated outdoor areas since 2008.

President Jo Ann Gora says she’s concerned about the policy’s impact on employees. Health insurance data indicate up to 24 percent of Ball State employees smoke.

That’s a significantly higher percentage than that of students. An estimated 16 percent of students smoked in 2011, down from 19 percent in 2009.

The trustees will vote on the proposal in March. If it’s approved, Ball State plans to step up tobacco cessation efforts.