If there was going to be a time to allow an exemption from the smoking ban, it would be tonight.
The Ball State Hillel, the Jewish organization on campus, is playing host to its annual hookah night fundraiser. However, instead of being centrally located at LaFollete Field to generate the most student interest the event has been banished to the Village.
Even though the event does not have a religious connection, smoking hookah is closely tied to Jewish culture. Ball State University should try to promote cultural awareness and experiences whenever possible to make the student body more diverse and knowledgeable.
After hearing the group would possibly have to relocate its event, Moe's Tavern contacted Hillel to offer its facilities at minimal cost, Hillel co-president Lindsay Gross said.
Students in Hillel did everything they could to try to get an exemption from the smoking ban, which they thought was a possibility, but no real protocol exists for evaluating their proposal, said Kay Bales, vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students.
Hillel is one of few groups that has an event related to smoking on campus that would require an exemption. Because Hillel wasn't able to receive it, we are starting to wonder who, if anyone, will.
"If you grant [an exemption] for this group under the description of what they provided then on what basis would you deny another?" Bales said.
Hillel is the most logical choice for an exemption, as the event was done before the ban was in place, was successful and didn't cause any problems.
However, no real criteria exists for what would occur if an exemption is granted, Bales said, and it would all depend on the situation and the requirements of the approved proposal.
While the smoking ban has been an inconvenience to many, a group should not have to relocate its biggest fundraiser because it wasn't worthy of an exemption.
There is no substance to the reason given for Hillel's proposal being denied. There is no criteria with which to evaluate the proposal.
There is no definition of what a group is entitled to if it receives an exemption.
These issues need to be resolved. If there is going to be the potential to receive an exemption from the smoking ban, there needs to be a protocol and standardization of evaluation methods to ensure fairness.
We need to demand the university create a standardized, fair method of evaluating proposals for smoking ban exemptions.
We need to be more vocal and stand beside Hillel to try to get hookah night back on campus.
Tell the administration what you think and what you want.
Persistence is key, though, so start now and maybe we could have hookah night next year.
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