Students Say They Should Have Been Consulted On New USP Smoking Rule
USP Campus Security will fine $50 to anyone found violating the new regulation.
Friday 08 January 2021 | 11:01
The University of the South Pacific has announced it is now a smoke-free university.
A handful of students from the University of the South Pacific (USP) have uttered their disappointment towards last Monday’s announcement of a Smoke-Free University.
A final year student, who wished to remain anonymous said: “The decision made had no consultation with students who are the main stakeholders of the school.
“It may be for a healthy cause, but we have rights too and that means coming to an understanding of at least having a designated spot in the premises.”
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He added that smoking students would now have to walk out of the university premises to light a cigarette.
“We have adhered to past regulations of smoking some distance away from buildings, but now we have to go right outside of this big university,” he said.
“All we want is for those in leadership positions to consider our requests because we are looking at complying a petition.”
The school announced that all campuses and rented facilities where USP business is undertaken would be smoke-free zones except for staff residences on campus.
USP Campus Security will fine $50 to anyone found violating the new regulation.
A smoke free signage has been put up in all school entrances.
Second year student, Jen Felix said: “It is understandable that it is for the benefits of one’s health, but it would have been considerable to talk with students so it is a win-win situation for smoke addicts.”
Fiji Sun had approached Vice- Chancellor and President Professor, Pal Ahluwalia for comments, but had not received a response by the time this edition went to press.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
Feedback: adi.sovasiga@fijisun.com.fj
