by Stacy Hutto
Staff writer
The executive order Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed on Feb. 6, 2012, went into effect the beginning of this month. The executive order prohibits the use of any tobacco products in all public places and all properties owned by the state of Oklahoma, including Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
In the executive order, Fallin cited Oklahoma Legislature and a report from the Surgeon General stating the health risks of secondhand smoke. Fallin also mentioned findings from the Center for Disease Control and The Department of Health and Human Services concerning the dangers of smokeless tobacco products.
In accordance with the executive order, there are signs along the boundaries of Southeastern reminding the public that use of tobacco products are prohibited and that Southeastern is a tobacco-free zone.
For more information on Southeastern’s tobacco free policy, visit homepages.se.edu/setobaccofree/, or read more in the upcoming print edition of The Southeastern on Sept. 6.
Staff photo by Stacy Hutto
In front of the Fine Arts Building, a location where many smokers used to gather, is an example of a product that, along with other tobacco products, is no longer allowed on campus.