College of Marin Goes Smoke-Free

The College of Marin will be smoke-free starting this fall semester thanks to a decision by the school's board of trustees Tuesday, July 19.

The board approved a new policy that will prohibit the smoking of cigarettes, pipes, and cigars at the Kentfield and Indian Valley Campuses, college officials said.

The new policy will go into effect on Aug. 15 -- the first day of the fall semester. The ban will apply to all college employees, students, and visitors on all college buildings and grounds aside from designated areas in select parking lots.

College staff are preparing for the ban by advising community members of the policy change and referring smokers who want to quit to support services.

"The college is committed to the promotion of good health and
wellness for its employees and students," said David Wain Coon, COM President. "Part of that commitment involves taking a role in discouraging the use of tobacco and the negative effects of both smoking and second-hand smoke."

-- Bay City News