The College Fix

Purdue’s policy on smoking has created unforeseen complications with some club activities.

Weather permitting, the Pipe and Cigar Club of Purdue has met every Thursday during the fall and spring semesters at the Loeb Fountain since 2003. This year, the group no longer can meet there due to Purdue’s smoke-free policy that took effect July 1.

“We wanted an exemption to the policy that would enable us to meet on Thursday at a set time and smoke,” said Keenan Hartman, a junior in the college of Consumer and Family Sciences and treasurer of the Pipe and Cigar Club.

On Sept. 1, Hartman sent an e-mail to Carol Shelby, Purdue’s senior director for environmental health and public safety, asking for an exemption to the smoke-free policy for the group from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. He also asked permission for the club to smoke at their recruitment table in the Purdue Mall.

Shelby denied the club’s request via e-mail on Sept. 7.

David Lehmann, a junior in the College of Technology and president of the club, was offended by what he felt was a very terse and inconsiderate response.

“We are trying to take the proper route to not break any rules and still have our meetings,” said Lehmann. “We feel like we are not being taken seriously.”

According to Lehmann, the club has approximately 20 members present at every meeting and the fountain provides adequate setting and convenient location for all of the club’s members.

“The designated smoking areas are very small, very dirty and do not have a lot of seating,” Lehmann said.

Read the full story at the Purdue Exponent.

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