Smoke-free RPI sets good policy

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Letter to the Editor
Times Union

Congratulations, RPI, on your wise decision to make your campus tobacco-free ("RPI wants to clear air -- of tobacco smoke," March 25). Perhaps your new policy will motivate other area schools to follow suit. After all, it's no longer about which will be the next establishment to go tobacco-free, but rather which will be the last.

I've had the pleasure of working with the Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition for the last several years. Rest assured, the coalition will see through the policy implementation at RPI so that it is seamless and highly adaptable. RPI will be very successful with its new policy as long as it plans for, respects and addresses opposition.

I challenge other area campuses to assert their leadership in adopting this same culture of wellness.

Jennifer Speenburgh

Health Promotion Specialist