Putting the 'butts' out at Shaw University
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Shaw University is now tobacco free.
After partnering with a group called Truth Initiative, permitted smoking has come to an end on campus.
"I understand the impact that the tobacco industry had on North Carolina and continues to have on its economy, I now have to think about our 18 to 14 year old stakeholders in particular and their health," Shaw University President Tashni-Ann Dubroy said.
"The mailroom, which is right there by the smoking section, coming out of it and being overwhelmed by the scent of cigarette smoke, it's not good," sophomore Kya Royal said. "It's not good on the lungs, it's not good on the brain."
Advocates stress the health benefits of the ban.
"Tobacco usage affects African Americans in a much more disproportionate way, compared to other groups," Ritney Castine with Truth Initiative said. "So we're here to engage and to educate and empower this community of HBCUs in tackling this issue."
So what if students with a habit keep smoking here?
"There's not a monetary penalty. But students do get warnings," Shaw University President Tashni-Ann Dubroy said.
If they're caught smoking on campus, and they're asked to go outside of our four walls
"There's other places where they can smoke. I understand why Shaw is making this move to be tobacco free," Royal said. It makes Shaw look good as a campus overall."
