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, “Hookah, hookah components, e-hookah, vaporizer pens, and e-cigarettes, as well as any cartridges, ‘juices,’ or other accessories to accompany such devices are strictly prohibited on campus…All smoking devices and accessories will be confiscated and/or destroyed.”

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

“In 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,” said Legislative Coordinator for the Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association Alex Clark. “Allowing vaping on campus, dorm rooms or whatever, those are things that incentivise switching and that should be encouraged.”

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.

Let’s not forget the environmental damage from every time a person lights up a cigarette.

“Switching 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,” Clark said. 

Vaping products are not constantly burning like cigarettes; they have on and off switches and recyclable batteries. I would feel safer knowing someone’s vape was turned off than hope a cigarette butt tossed into a bush doesn’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