An inspector from the Iowa Department of Public Health recently visited the Grinnell College campus to investigate a complaint of a violation of Iowa's Smoke-Free Air Act. In compliance with Iowa law, the College became a smoke-free campus on July 1, 2008. While the inspection revealed the College has adequately signed and properly notified the College community of the law, evidence, such as multiple cigarette butts left on campus grounds, indicated smoking is occurring on College property.
While smoking is banned on College property, it is not banned on public "right-of-ways" owned by the city. Sidewalks on campus that line city streets, including the grassy area between the street and sidewalk, are public right-of-ways. Sidewalks along Park, East, and Broad Streets, and 6th, 8th, and 10th Avenues, are included. All other sidewalks and spaces are considered College property and must be smoke free.
The purpose of a public right-of-way is to provide access to the public. Individuals should not block pedestrian traffic and should avoid smoking in groups or busy areas where others may pass and possibly inhale secondhand smoke. Cigarettes must be extinguished before entering College property. Cigarette litter is the responsibility of the smoker, and should, after extinguishing, be properly disposed of in a trash receptacle.
Persons who choose to smoke on Grinnell's campus do so at their own risk and may face civil fines, as well as fines from the institution.
For those who wish to quit smoking tobacco, Quitline Iowa , a toll-free, statewide smoking cessation telephone counseling hotline, is available. Trained counselors provide callers with information about the health consequences of tobacco use, assistance in making an individualized quit plan, and ongoing support through optional follow-up calls.
Stephen A. Briscoe, Campus Safety & Security, 269-4600
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