CSI in the News - CSI Today

And while the specifics of the plan are still in the works, CUNY officials say one of the proposals the board of trusteeswill vote on would designate certain areas for smokers, away from main buildings to shield others from second-handsmoke.Doctors say banning smoking on college campuses is a great way to target student smokers and discourage themfrom lighting up."You have to start good habits as early as possible," said Dr. John Maese of Staten Island University Hospital. "Sowith students on campus, if they can't smoke, it's just one more deterrent to them picking up a bad habit."An educational outreach campaign is planned to warn students about health risks, and how they can get help quitting.The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene estimates that 19.4 percent of Staten Islanders smoke -- thehighest rate in the city.Word of the coming ban had smokers at CSI wondering where they will go for a fix."I think it's pretty discriminatory. Smoking is a choice that's made by adults," said student Rob Assini. "And if peoplechoose to do so, especially in a highly stressful environment such as a college environment, and people feel the needto blow off steam by smoking, then I feel they should be free to."Not everyone agreed."I think it's a good idea health-wise, but people are going to do what they're going to do," said student Mike Guarneri.As for enforcement, CUNY officials say they have not yet determined the punishment for breaking the smoking rules.Also Featured on: MPNnow.com; gothamist.com; worldjournal.com; NYtimes.com; Wnbz.com; CBS New York;Associated Press; University Business; Yeshiva World News; New York PressPage 135 of 157