Words cannot justify how overjoyed I was to learn that the smoking referendum was passed in this week’s election. To have 63 percent of the voting population agree that smoking outdoors should be limited to designated areas is a substantial fact, which proves that the student body truly knows what will benefit the Saint Louis University community as a whole. This is just the first step in raising awareness about this pressing issue. I have no doubt that the measures that are being taken regarding smoking will make SLU a happier and healthier campus.

In response to the letter to the editor regarding the smoking referendum debate, I would just like to point out that the smoke.free.slu students most likely did not have any questions to ask the opposing debaters because the opposition did not base their arguments on facts (“Smoking debate ignites controversy,” Feb. 22). Instead, they relied on undeveloped, irrational opinions and expected the smoke.free.slu students to respond to their insignificant accusations. It is unfortunate that the smoke.free.slu students had to engage in what was supposed to be a serious debate, when, in fact, the opposition foolishly rambled on and on.

Another statement that was mentioned in the letter to the editor was the silly idea that because our city is already polluted with carcinogens, the smoking ban will not make a significant difference. It is quite unsettling to know that there are people out there who do not believe that seemingly trivial, minute changes can contribute to a large-scale outcome. Everything has a starting point, and I am pleased to announce that the passing of the smoking referendum is just the beginning.

Michelle Hasan
Freshman, College of Arts and Sciences