Every time I enter or exit my home, I gasp. The smokers outside of the Griesedieck complex have knighted themselves the sole proprietors of the porch step entrance to the dorm. Their habits are not only rude and unhealthy for the people entering and exiting the complex, but also in blatant violation of handbook polices. Before I go any further, let me make it perfectly clear that I have nothing against smokers. It is your choice to smoke. If you want to smoke, go right ahead. I am not trying to stop you. However, I am trying to make it so that the majority of us walking into Gries do not have to breathe your toxic air. To those of you who would contend that the majority of the smoke is not taken in by people passing by, that conjecture is not scientifically or medically concrete. Only 15 percent of smoke is inhaled by the actual smoker; the rest is released into the air. The American Lung Association reports that 20 percent of the population is at risk of developing lung disease from second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke also increases the risk of lung infections and lung diseases. According to the Enviromental Protection Agency, passive smoking (second-hand smoke) is responsible for 3,000 lung cancer deaths of nonsmokers every year. After e-mailing Melissa Vowells, community development coordinator of the Griesedieck Complex, to find out how the smoking benches keep moving from the entrance of the Gries complex to the west side of Clemens, she forwarded my concern to Paul Seidl, coordinator for housing operations. While their prompt replies are appreciated, I do not understand their logic of idly standing by and giving victory to people who are violating handbook regulations. The student handbook states that students must be 25 feet away from the doors to smoke. In addition to the benches not being 25 feet away, congregating at the only entrance to the largest living residence on campus is inconsiderate. Mr. Seidl’s response does not offer a solution to the problem but rather claims incompetence. “Honestly, we are not that happy with the location right now – At the Gries complex, we placed benches away from the door on the small little balcony area. Unfortunately, students keep moving the benches to in front of the door,” Mr. Seidl said. You are not happy about the situation-so change it! Mr. Seidl’s comments about the problem last year have me wondering why residence life didn’t deal with the issue over the summer. Where is the solution to the problem? In his e-mail, Mr. Seidl continues, “We do not have the capability to monitor the benches 24-7.” That’s fair. However, you do have the capability of using the tools you have to fix the problem. In section 2.12.1 of the student handbook, it states, “Any member of the University community may file a charge against any student…for misconduct.” Respectfully, incompetence is not an excuse. SGA has undertaken a campaign this past month to raise the level of pride in the SLU community. I am deeply proud of this community. I am proud when the powers that be take action rather claiming incompetence. To Mr. Seidl and those at residence life: Take the initiative. Do what you can instead of claiming defeat. Enforce the rules that have been set up. Sitting idly by when you have the tools, as well as your inherent authority, at your disposal, will only come back to hurt you later when larger issues arise.To the students living in the complex: E-mail Mr. Seidl ([email protected]). Let him know your feelings on this matter. I have heard many of you voice your objections to this issue; put on pressure. Smokers: I have nothing against you. However, your choice to smoke and my choice not to smoke are conflicting. Be more considerate. I, along with many others, do not want to breathe in your carcinogens. If I could go in another door to enter the complex, I would-but there isn’t one. Out of a common courtesy, could you find another place to smoke? Matthew Lehner is a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences studying political science and [email protected]