Morgan State University Goes Smoke-Free

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- One Maryland university is stamping out smoking on its campus. Morgan State University says its new policy covers all tobacco products---even for visitors.

As Gigi Barnett explains, the university says the new ban is designed to help students kick the habit.

Morgan State University says it's going the way of many colleges nationwide with a campus-wide ban on smoking.

The university already has a policy that stamps out smoking inside buildings. Now it's extending that smoke-free rule to every inch of its campus.

"This is moving Morgan in the direction of saying that we basically want a campus that is healthy and free of primary and secondary smoke," said Morgan State President Dr. David Wilson.

The ban isn't just for cigarettes. E-cigarettes, hookahs and pipes are out, too.

Some students are backing the ban.

"It causes cancer so I guess this will help. This will help a lot 'cause I know there are a lot of people who do that on campus," said student Heleaince Gates.

"I never liked the smell of smoke and I know a lot of people who don't but I know some people have a hard time quitting," said student Cravon Rogers, Jr.

The university believes the ban will keep some students from ever starting the habit. A 2010 survey of freshmen on Morgan's campus showed that 24% of them were smokers who tried to quit and failed.

Morgan State's smoke-free policy starts on July 1.

If caught lighting up on campus, the university says it will offer counseling and classes to students looking to kick the habit for good.