In last week’s Student Senate elections, Winona State University students were allowed to vote either for or against a ban that would eliminate tobacco usage anywhere on campus.
By Wednesday a record 20.3% of the student body had voted and their opinions were heard.
The results of the elections were 1,151 votes ‘yes’ and 579 votes ‘no’, according to the Student Senate web site.
The issue has had very passionate people on both ends of the spectrum, said Student Senate interim vice president Terri Burke.
“(Student Senate) hasn’t seen many people in between,” Burke said.
Burke has concerns of how Winona State security will enforce a campus-wide ban.
“Security doesn’t enforce the 25 foot rule now,” said Burke, and advocate against the campus smoking bann.
According to a document containing a proposed amendment prepared by Winona State president Judith Ramaley Nov. 24, 2007, enforcement of the tobacco-free policy will depend on the cooperation of all university faculty, staff and students.
“The University will develop training programs to assist and prepare students and employees to help one another honor the tobacco-free environment,” said Ramaley in the document.
If a student violates the policy, a student conduct officer will send the violation to be reviewed through the student judicial process.
Winona State senior Bryon Pavelka believes the election results verified what the students wanted.
Pavelka, a former Student Senate candidate who ran on a tobacco-free platform, said having a tobacco-free campus will be easier to enforce than the current 25-foot policy.
“The area where you can and cannot smoke are more easily noticed (with the ban).”
Pavelka started a group on Facebook, a social networking website, titled “Vote for a Smoke-Free WSU.”
His response ranged from being called Hitler to people being very pleased about a campus-wide tobacco ban.
“People did pose very significant discussions,” said Pavelka.
Winona State is not the only university in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system changing their tobacco policies.
Minnesota State University-Moorhead banned the usage and sales of tobacco products on their campus, which began January 1, 2008.
Burke said unless students plan on petitioning the ban, a student stance will be sent to Ramaley.
“At this point it’s out of our hands,” Burke said.

Contact Dana at DJKudelk7481@winona.edu