HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has stepped beyond the state's new smoking ban and barred students, employees and visitors from lighting up anywhere -- even outdoors -- at all 14 state-owned universities.

Students received the word by e-mail late Sept. 10 -- one day before Pennsylvania's new law forbidding smoking in most workplaces and public spaces took effect.

Unhappy smokers at some of those Universities started staging protests at Clarion on Monday. On Tuesday, dozens of people turned out for a protest at California University.

To see WTAE's report, click here

The students who oppose the ban actually displayed gestures of generosity, handing out free cigarettes and continuing to smoke on campus.

"The state smoking ban applied to restaurants, bars and stuff like that. That's why it's called the clean indoor air act. They say indoor. But the fact of the matter is that we're outdoors. Why are they banning smoking outdoors?" Cal-U student Brian Kurzik said.

Protestors say the state-wide smoking ban on state-run universities, banning lighting up anywhere on campus is unfair.

"On a college campus, if you're walking around from home to class, you should be able to have a cigarette if you want to," Jake Thomas, another Cal-U student said.

However non-smokers like Cassie Sacco say no problem. Smokers can simply light up off campus.

"For those who are non-smokers like myself, I don't have to go places and worry about allergies," Sacco said.

California University officials say the school is not responsible for enforcement and violations will be reported to the health department.

Other local schools in the system include Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana County and Slippery Rock University in Butler County.

After discussions with university presidents and system board members, PASSHE Chancellor Dr. John Cavanaugh said he interprets the new state law to extend beyond buildings at educational facilities to include all campus grounds, such as courtyards, parking lots and athletic fields.

Cavanaugh said some classes occasionally meet outside, and the schools also hold outdoor fundraising events and receptions.

"After all of that deliberation, we decided we would go on the side of caution," he said.

The American Lung Association said more than 130 colleges and universities across the country have such policies.

A spokeswoman for Penn State University -- which is not part of the PASSHE -- said the main campus in State College prohibits smoking inside buildings and university-owned vehicles and within a certain distance of building entrances, but allows smoking elsewhere.

Some of Penn State's other campuses have stricter bans, spokeswoman Lisa Powers said.

Students Protest

At the student center of Clarion University, about 60 students gathered around lunchtime Monday and marched to the campus library, where they lit up outside.

"We're simply asking for some compromise, like one or two designated (smoking) areas on campus," said Steve Dugan, a 20-year-old Clarion student from Pittsburgh. "It would have been better if there were more warning given and a chance to put in our own ideas."

Campus police issued small yellow cards to the student smokers printed with warnings that "future occurrences may result in possible sanctions, including fines and/or disciplinary action" and advice to contact the campus health center for help quitting smoking.

"It's almost close to Prohibition. I think it's impractical," said Marite Rodriguez Haynes, a psychology professor who doesn't smoke but sympathizes with the protesters. "It's good for me, but I don't know if it will get people to smoke less."

Education Before Enforcement

For now, university officials are concentrating on educating students and staff about the policy.

The law gives state health officials responsibility for enforcement, and they are relying on the public to report violators.

"We don't expect anyone to be able to stop (smoking) overnight," Cavanaugh said. "We're not taking a position that our campus police are going to go around and round up people."

Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, who helped win passage of Pennsylvania's smoking ban, called the PASSHE's ban a "courageous and bold step."

"It will pay health dividends for this generation and the next generations to come," he said.

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