University of Central Arkansas might request that president's home be exempt from new anti-smoking law
The Baxter Bulletin
August 2, 2010
University of Central Arkansas officials are considering whether to request that their president's home be exempt from a new state law banning smoking at public colleges and universities.
The Clean Air on Campus Act of 2009 required that those institutions go smoke-free by Sunday, but the school's Board of Trustees made the law effective July 1.
University Chief of Staff Jack Gillean, who wrote the school policy, said it's "pretty straightforward."
"Thou shalt not smoke or dip," he said.
The university has banned smokeless tobacco products, too, although the state law only mentions smoking. Use of the tobacco products are considered illegal in off-campus housing, educational buildings, the College Square Retirement Community and the UCA President's Home.
A person can be fined $100 to $500 for violating the law.
School President Allen Meadors said he thinks the Arkansas Legislature will likely "re-evaluate private residences. ... My guess is, if they had a governor who smoked, he would be able to smoke in a place where he is required to live."
