On March 12, the Foothill-De Anza Board of Trustees approved a new smoking policy, which would fine students for smoking outside of the designated smoking zones. But due to structuring delays and voting, the fines have been postponed until further notice.

“While the Board of Trustees approved the Smoking Policy at its March 12 meeting, the corresponding administrative procedure was only approved by the Chancellor’s Advisory Council [April 13],” said FHDA Police Chief Ron Levine. “Our agency could not begin to implement the enforcement guidelines until they were formally approved.”

The newly approved policy, endorsed by De Anza College Health Services and the De Anza Associated Student Body Senate, set fines for student smokers and repeat offenders. 

The initial fine is $25, second violation $50, third $75 and fourth or subsequent violations $75 and a possible judicial hearing.

Smokers are still not complying with the zone policy, standing at campus entrances, areas that are not designated for smoking.

“[The new policy] hasn’t affected us. Honestly, I think they’re just trying to scare us because it’s not being enforced. We’ll still smoke in this area [campus entrance near the Physical Education area],” said Vincent Lom, film/TV major.

The new policy has met with some consternation from students across the campus, most of whom cite that the fines ostracize students.

“It seems excessive,” said Junior Graves, Student Success Center lab technician, “I smoke here anyway, so it doesn’t affect me. It just seems like people are hating on smokers, and it’s ironic because a good percent of the De Anza population are smokers. “

De Anza smokers will be met with warnings from college security and police until the system has been established.

“We need to have the citations printed, set up the violation database and finalize our procedure for issuing and processing the citations. I expect that we will be ready to begin enforcement activity within a few weeks.” said Levine.

The designated smoking zones on campus are in Staff Lot A, Parking Lot B, the Flint Parking Structure, Parking Lot E and Staff Lot F, underneath red banners.

WAVING MARK – All smoking zones on the De Anza campus are marked off by a circle of ash trays, trash cans, and a large red banner.