Almost one year ago, the students of Saint Louis University voted on a particular referendum. This referendum stated that smoking would be limited to certain areas at SLU, like the parking lots and city property. That referendum, promise for a smoke-free University, had overwhelming support. While 821 students voted against the referendum, among those who voted, 1,428 people voted for it.

But that was one year ago. We need to make sure that people do not forget about this initiative. We need to keep the passion for this important change alive on campus.

As citizens of this great country, I know that we have rights. And these rights should not be infringed upon. So, someone who wants to smoke has the freedom to smoke under this referendum.

The reason why it is necessary to restrict smoking to only some areas is because smoking does not only affect the smoker, but affects all individuals nearby.

Accordingly, everyone else has the right to breathe clean air.

According to the World Health Organization, every cigarette shortens an individual’s life by at least five minutes. In addition, according to the American Cancer Society, it is evident that smoking causes not only lung cancer, but it can even cause cancer of the mouth, voice box, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and more.

Smoking is detrimental to a smoker’s health, and smokers have made the choice to smoke. But the people inhaling second-hand smoke have not made the choice to inhale.

The Environmental Protection Agency has claimed that second hand smoke is a known cause of cancer.

The American Lung Association says that second-hand smoke can increase the risk of heart attack.

When I decided to come to SLU, I did not decide that I wanted to have an increased risk of health problems. Neither, I bet, did other students.

SLU needs to become a smoke-free University for the fair treatment of all of the students who attend, both smokers and non-smokers.

Not only will a smoke-free University help create a cleaner environment for all, but it will also encourage students and faculty to make wiser choices about their lives. More students will be motivated to quit smoking.

And, more students may decide to not even start smoking in college in the first place.

As the posters and tickets have formed for this new election cycle, it would be helpful to hear about real issues like this one.

It is a pressing issue that students care about; we, as a student body, have the right to know what the next SGA administration wants to do, or at least what they think.

In the meantime, we can all do simple things to help the cause: join Smoke Free SLU chartered student organization on campus, stay informed and spread the word.

Take a you-turn. Take the initiative and make a change on campus. Make the environment healthier for students and faculty.

Stand up and make SLU and the world a better place.

Samiksha Tarun is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.