In light of the recent discussions on Knight Vision concerning the smoking policy and as leader of the Students, Faculty, and Staff Committee within Student Senate, I feel it necessary to address this topic and clear up some misconceptions.

First, the Student Life Committee (not Senate) created the smoking policy last year after much discussion and deliberation. Student Senate simply offered input on behalf of the student body, acting as an intermediary between the SLC and the students. In addition, all students had the opportunity to serve in focus groups and take part in the decision process.

Second, contrary to popular opinion, neither Student Senate nor the SLC want to see smoking banned from Calvin's campus, for that would be an infringement on the right that Calvin students have always been able to exercise. The smoking areas were designed to provide a compromise for both worlds. Those who smoke can still choose to do so while those concerned with second-hand smoke can avoid it to some degree. Please remember that this policy is on a two-year trial period. During this time, members of Senate (including myself) and members of the SLC will be consistently evaluating the progress and effectiveness of the policy. However, miscommunication about the designated areas and the purpose of them have stunted the success and adoption of the policy.

Personally, I feel that smoking at Calvin is a sensitive issue that deals with respect rather than tolerance. We in Senate realize that there is a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration among smokers and non-smokers alike. That is why the survey and the discussion board exist on Knight Vision: to allow you the opportunity to talk with us and provide us with your feedback. Without your input, we cannot know which issues need to be addressed.

Each semester for the next two years the current policy will be reviewed. As in the past, students will be granted the opportunity to share and voice their opinions. Thank you to those who have contributed to the survey, the discussion board, and all other channels on the issue of smoking already. To those of you who have not, I encourage you to contribute your thoughts and concerns. I believe that it will take a conscious effort, along with a sense of accountability and responsibility, on behalf of both smokers and non-smokers, to make this policy work better in the next year and a half.