California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

    Campus Vaping: No Big Deal

    Vapes and e-cigarettes have become a craze among college students. Whether they are using the infamous JUUL or a Suorin, the youths are vaping. Even though this is nothing new and a common practice, many institutions like California Lutheran University have banned any form of vaping on campus.

    The Cal Lutheran Student Handbook states, โ€œHookah, hookah components, e-hookah, vaporizer pens, and e-cigarettes, as well as any cartridges, โ€˜juices,โ€™ or other accessories to accompany such devices are strictly prohibited on campus…All smoking devices and accessories will be confiscated and/or destroyed.โ€

    However, smoking cigarettes is still permitted on campus. The university needs to reevaluate its rules in place for vaping products.

    โ€œIn terms of students who are over the age of 21, vapor products are a low-risk alternative to smoking… there should be some sort of incentive for people to switch to low-risk products,โ€ said Legislative Coordinator for the Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association Alex Clark. โ€œAllowing vaping on campus, dorm rooms or whatever, those are things that incentivise switching and that should be encouraged.โ€

    Cal Lutheran should be encouraging students to switch to low-risk alternatives. By prohibiting vaping, The university is sending the message that it would rather students smoke cigarettes than take the time to develop a rule that allows them to use healthier products.

    Letโ€™s not forget the environmental damage from every time a person lights up a cigarette.

    โ€œSwitching to vaping can absolutely prevent a large number of accidental fires caused by smoking, and also cigarette butts are the most littered thing on the planet,โ€ Clark said.ย 

    Vaping products are not constantly burning like cigarettes; they have on and off switches and recyclable batteries. I would feel safer knowing someoneโ€™s vape was turned off than hope a cigarette butt tossed into a bush doesnโ€™t start a wildfire.

    Does Cal Lutheran really care about its campus and its students, or is it just too lazy to make a rule that will better the lives and safety of the campus and community?

    Arianna Macaluso
    Reporter