On April 2, Temple University President Richard Englert sent an announcement that Temple would become a tobacco-free campus starting in the fall semester.

This decision was based on an extensive report by the College of Public Health and the Presidential Smoke-free Campus Task Force. I have no time on my hands (whoops), so I read a lot of the report. After reading the report and people's responses, I think I've finally taken a stance.

Here's my stance: Temple is definitely taking a step in the right direction.

First, let me clarify something. I've never smoked in my life. Honestly, I think the blueberry vape clouds smell pretty good. But I've never felt compelled to smoke, even when I've been offered either a Juul or a cigarette.

People think this is a radical policy, but it really isn't; Penn State has a tobacco-free policy. Has it affected smoking behaviors? Probably not. However, despite its effects on whether students still decide to smoke (just not at school), this policy definitely will have a positive effect on public health.

I have very mild asthma. Whenever I walk by smokers, I hold my breath. I don't do that to be dramatic. I just don't want to cough and feel sick. For others, though, it's much worse, and they will develop a full-blown asthma attack. Also, Temple is in the city; the air quality is bad enough.

The report gave several reasons why becoming smoke-free would benefit students and the University as a whole. Of course, health is a major concern, as smoking (even secondhand smoking) is known to cause damage to our health. One of the most interesting reasons from my perspective was that the policy would prepare students for smoke-free workplaces.

Remember, Temple isn't banning students from smoking at all. You can smoke outside campus all you want. The purpose of this policy isn't to discipline students who smoke. As of now, there are no discussions around disciplinary action for violations of the program but rather referrals to resources.

Still, despite my optimism about this policy, I have some concerns.

First, what about our commitment to becoming a cleaner campus? It's no doubt that littering is a problem on our campus, especially in the surrounding areas, and it's ugly.

I am concerned that campus will become even more trash-ridden because students will throw their cigarette butts on the ground. Unfortunately, some people aren't going to follow the policy, and I think Temple knows that too. It's also impossible for Campus Safety to catch everyone who smokes on campus.

Yes, Temple, you've taken a step in the right direction, but prepare for more obstacles along the way.