Despite a campus smoking policy going into effect on Sept. 30, 2005, the war between smoking and non-smoking students continues to rage on.

The policy states: “In order to provide a safe learning and working environment for students and employees, smoking is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor campus locations, with the exception of designated parking lots.”

However, the new policy isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Even with citations, formal complaints and the new policy, students haven’t stopped lighting up on campus. And because the administration has selected the parking lots as designated areas for smokers to light up, exposure to second-hand smoke is virtually unavoidable. Students find themselves engulfed by wall of smoke at every college entrance.

It’s understandable that non-smoking students are concerned for their health, but that’s why the administration has accommodated their side by implementing a policy to direct smoking students into cramped, noisy parking lots. Smokers deal with constant harassment by non-smokers, extreme weather conditions and having to travel great lengths to smoke in a designated area. There is no convenient place on campus to smoke in peace.

Despite disagreeing with their choice to smoke, there is no reason for non-smokers to complain unless smokers are violating policy.

Because smokers and non-smokers alike must co-exist, we propose a few suggestions in smoking etiquette and courtesy:

Smokers: -Don’t walk into campus still smoking or light up on your way out.

-If you see pregnant women or children walking your way, avoid them.

-Put your cigarette butts out in an ashtray, and try not to smoke near open windows or doors. Non-smokers:

-When walking onto campus into yet another cloud of smoke, just hold your breath and bear it. There is no need to make a show and pretend to cough.

-Remember that smokers are all in one area, and that they are there only because they can’t smoke on campus.

-Unless they are breaking the policy, don’t approach smokers and have words with them. Resist the urge to preach about the dangers of smoking. Trust us, they know. In the end, smokers will smoke as long as they so desire. By choosing to peacefully co-exist, we make De Anza College a better place to learn and thrive.