Whitworth University goes tobacco-free on Jan. 1

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) – Students who use tobacco products at Whitworth University in Spokane will have to take their habit off-campus.

The school goes tobacco-free on Jan. 1.

School officials say discussions for making the campus tobacco- and vape-free have stretched back more than two years.

The Spokesman-Review reports an estimated 9 percent of students will be impacted by the change.

Students who are caught smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco on campus will go through a conduct process that examines each offense on a case-by-case basis. Punishment will be reserved for repeat offenders.

Some Whitworth students have voiced opposition to the smoking ban.

About 50 percent of America’s colleges or universities have similar rules.

___

Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com