President Leary’s Email Announcement Regarding Smoke-Free Campus

Bay Path University Will Be A Smoke- and Tobacco-free Campus

I am pleased to announce that Bay Path University will become a smoke- and tobacco-free community as of July 1, 2018. We join the growing ranks of American colleges and universities that are committed to providing a cleaner and healthier environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As recently as October 2017, over 2,000 campuses in our country are 100% smoke-free, of which over 1,700 are also 100% tobacco-free. This national movement is complemented by the increasing number of workplaces, recreational areas, and public facilities that are choosing to be smoke- and tobacco-free. 

We have been moving toward this important step for the past few years, but it is our students who ultimately convinced us to become completely smoke- and tobacco-free. I applaud the bold efforts of those students whose grass roots campaign included research and thoughtful recommendations. The evidence of the hazards from secondhand smoke, including the impact on people with asthma, as well as the exposure to non-smokers of cancer-causing agents, is overwhelming. Issues of safety, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and campus maintenance also factor into our decision.

A cross-university task force has been established to help implement the policy. Informational opportunities for members of our community who choose to transition to a healthier lifestyle will be included in the plan. There will also be events, activities, and awareness campaigns as we approach this significant milestone. You will receive additional communication in the months ahead.

During this season, as we reflect with gratitude on the people and blessings in our lives, I am also reminded that one of the most precious gifts we can wish for one another is good health…for next year and the years to come.